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Mask making, part three: Manila Folders

October 5, 2014

Masks are a wonderful way to discover differences in cultural perspectives, character nuances, and the ideas of subtext and implication. They allow students to dive into the past and see into another’s eyes — literally. For that reason, I highly recommend them as a tool for many teachers in many subjects. But what if you are prohibited from ordering art supplies (and therefore aquaplast)? Well Ta DAA! Enter Manila Folder Masks. Made almost entirely out of Office Supplies!!! Manila Folder Mask: What is it? Believe it or not, Manila Folders have different properties than any other paper product, including card

Why You Should Make Masks

June 11, 2014

I have given many mask-making workshops, with the adult cast of a show, for toddlers, in school settings, with tweens who have disabilities, and as part of a physical theatre performance at a museum. Each time, the group members have been surprised by the newness of it, then cautious and worried about getting it right as they begin, then delighted and enthusiastic as the masks come into being in their hands. Too often, I think, such exploration of an alien landscape is relegated to an art class when its power and wonder would blossom in sooo many other circumstances. I

Mask-Making, Part Two: Aquaplast

April 21, 2012

This week’s blog is Part Two of Mask-Making Tips, with a focus on Aquaplast. For tips specific to making masks with paper mache (or papier maché), read my earlier blog, Mask-Making Part One and check out Mask-Making Part Three for how to make a mask with a manila folder. Aquaplast: What is it? Aquaplast is a medical plastic that becomes pliable when immersed in boiling (or near-boiling) water. It comes in different types, each of which has different shaping/molding properties. It’s made by Sammons Preston Rolyan, and can be purchased online from any large medical company (like Patterson Medical or

Performance for Discovery & Transformation: Bali Intro

March 29, 2012

As you probably know, I believe profoundly in the ability of performance to spark and facilitate discovery and transformation. As artist and teachers, sometimes our own arts practices need a boost of Discovery & Transformation as well! I recently came across a Bali module I had created for schools, and looked at the introductory concepts with my “right now” eyes. Although I continue to use large paper and topical imagery in my regular practice, I had forgotten the importance of ‘the swirling river of spirit’ and the idea of everyone as participant, even those we do not see, even those beings

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Mask making, part three: Manila Folders

Why You Should Make Masks

Mask-Making, Part Two: Aquaplast

Performance for Discovery & Transformation: Bali Intro