Maskmaking (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Masks offer an extraordinary opportunity for creative expression; they can completely transform the human face into something evocative, mysterious, terrifying, or humorous. Extensive instructions are given here for masks of plaster, clay, laminated paper, papier-mâché, buckram, wire, and celastic (a plastic-impregnated fabric), plus directions for final embellishments, finishing techniques, and maskmaking with children. Wonderfully diverse and marvelously creative, most of these are unfortunately shown only in black and white, though there is an eight-page color section. And there are ideas for incorporating found objects, hardware store items, and other flotsam for added interest. Theater designers, performance artists, craftspeople, and teachers--as well as dedicated Halloween revelers--will find inspiration aplenty in this useful and attractive book. --Amy Handy

Product Description

From simple variations on brown paper bags to bal masqué designs, plaster and plasticene molds—the whole range!

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 142 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; illustrated edition edition (July 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871921782
• ISBN-13: 978-0871921789
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #327,929 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, book for all ages & skill levels, September 27, 1999

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is a wonderful book that can teach anyone how to easily make beautiful masks. It is especially nice for teachers & parents for exploring maskmaking with children of all ages because of sections featuring easily made masks.

The book starts out with a brief history of masks as art. A vast array of techniques are shown using a variety of easily found materials. These may include balloons, clay, plaster, papier-mâché, wire, buckram, & celastic.

Each maskmaking method includes a complete materials list & is demonstrated with b/w photos and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. At the back there is a great chapter on creatively fishing the masks & then protecting them.

Example masks in b/w & a small color gallery in the middle are nice bonuses. This is great book for anyone wanting to create unique masks.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great inspiration!, July 15, 2003

By	J.O. "pinecricket" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

I initially bought this book to help me teach maskmaking at a summer camp for children. Instead of sitting on the bookshelf at school, however, this book has been living in my art studio!

Sivin's lovely book describes and illustrates maskmaking techniques that involve plaster, clay, paper, papier-mache, wire, fabric and many other materials. Her instructions are easy to follow, and she suggests a range of materials that are quite available and practical. Furthermore, the illustrations are very inspirational. She has chosen pictures of masks made by children, adults and professional artists. Some of them are funny, some are beautiful, ethereal or cute, and many are downright creepy.

There is also a short history of world masks in the first chapter. Although it is not terribly detailed (and doesn't touch at all on the masks of Australia or Oceania), it gives the reader a little background before jumping into instruction.

In the month that I have owned this book, I have tried a number of Sivin's techniques--and have had uncontrollable urges to be CONSTANTLY making masks.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hands on approaches to a variety of Maskmaking techniques., January 2, 1997

By A Customer

I consider this one of the better books on Maskmaking techniques. It has easy to follow directions in a variety of modeling methods. Well illustrated, it makes what could have been a dry lifeless book into something that is accessable to all levels of Maskmaking experience