Sketchbook Stencil

My stencil is an image of a knock-off Venetian mask I got as a tourist in Italy. I chose this subject because I love masks. I find them incredibly powerful objects. Two years ago I did a study abroad program in Bali, Indonesia where I wrote my final thesis on a highly sacred mask there called Topeng Sidha Karya. That mask was more than an object; it was a character that could complete the most sacred rituals during the most important ceremonies. This project was very educational and I even got to carve two (non-sacred) masks myself. While a spirit infused mask does not exist in my culture, I still find masks to be potent objects. I am having trouble describing why, but I find meaning in the way they can hide and reveal, both tangibly and symbolically. I love the idea that masks are performative objects and can come alive with each performer that dons one. I like stories and I love masks as a method of storytelling. That idea of life within the object holds great power and meaning for me. 

With the masks I carved and two Venetian masks (one of which is my colorful knockoff), I have a mini mask collection in my apartment. I chose the mask I did because it was small and I thought it would transfer best onto the Sketchbook.