Mask Workshop

Leather mask workshop: 11 - 20 June 1999

Day 4

Movies require Quicktime

Mark all the high and low points on the plaster positive.

NOTE: Mark the corners and the centres of the eyes very carefully.
Using two set squares measure their depths and transfer them to the plan view of the wooden block writing the depth in mm's by each mark of both the plaster and wooden blocks. Drill the depths in using a calibrated drill press, a series of marked nails or a series of measured drill bits.

Using a hammer and chisel and working, in principle, from the centre out to the top and the bottom of the block, and always protecting the nose, remove the large waste areas of the block.

Note: In using the gouges keep the upper edges out of the wood for a controlled cut.
Cut away all excess timber until you arrive at the bottom of the holes. Keep the bottom of the holes marked with a felt tipped pen.

Continue carving and use the calipers to measure and transfer the sizes from the positive plaster mould. Use a range of chisel and gouge sizes, work along the lines of the mask, keep removing bulk first. Carve down to 2 - 3mm smaller than the original.

You can view two quicktime movies from Day 4: movie one or movie two.

Send feedback to:

Bill Blaikie
Workshop organiser
Coordinator BA Communication Theatre / Media
Charles Sturt University

Paolo Consiglio's website can be visited at: www.webitaly.com/personae/welcome.html

Mark all the high and low points on the plaster positive. NOTE: Mark the corners and the centres of the eyes very carefully. Using two set squares measure their depths and transfer them to the plan view of the wooden block writing the depth in mm's by each mark of both the plaster and wooden blocks. Drill the depths in using a calibrated drill press, a series of marked nails or a series of measured drill bits.
Using a hammer and chisel and working, in principle, from the centre out to the top and the bottom of the block, and always protecting the nose, remove the large waste areas of the block. Note: In using the gouges keep the upper edges out of the wood for a controlled cut. Cut away all excess timber until you arrive at the bottom of the holes. Keep the bottom of the holes marked with a felt tipped pen.

Continue carving and use the calipers to measure and transfer the sizes from the positive plaster mould. Use a range of chisel and gouge sizes, work along the lines of the mask, keep removing bulk first. Carve down to 2 - 3mm smaller than the original.
You can view two quicktime movies from Day 4: movie one or movie two.