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Creating Masks: A Universal Symbol of Identity

Mask Making Art

Masks are a universal symbol of identity, and have been used to celebrate or conceal, empower or shroud. In the hands of an artist, they are also powerful tools for storytelling and self-portraiture.

This particular lesson checks all the boxes for art educators; it’s standards-based, cross-curricular and students love it!

How to Make a Mask

Homemade masks aren’t just for fun—they’re also a necessity. Many hospitals and other care facilities, such as nursing homes and urgent care centers, are struggling with mask shortages. They need masks to protect their faces while treating patients.

The best material for homemade masks is tightly woven fabric—think bed sheets, cotton curtains, and t-shirts. The CDC recommends using these materials rather than knit fabrics, which could allow viruses to pass through them.

Start by cutting out a mask shape from the fabric, leaving about an inch on both sides for seam allowances. Sew around the rectangle, leaving the elastic end pinned to the left side of the fabric as you go.

Sew the seam with a 1/4-inch allowance, and close the gap on one side. Repeat for the other side, and you’re done! You’ve now got a flexible, comfortable mask. You can wear it at home or take it with you as you travel. Just make sure you wash it often—DOH reminds us that homemade masks can collect bacteria just like store-bought ones.

Materials

Masks can be made from a variety of materials. The most common material for mask making is paper mache. Sculptures are shaped out of water/oil based clay or wax. These are then soaked in reinforcing material and a mold is made. This allows multiple copies to be cast from the original. This method is very fast but can also be a bit fragile if it is not handled properly.

Another way to make a mask is to sculpt out of plaster bandages. This is even faster than the papier-mache method, but can be more fragile. One can also use plastic face forms that are sold at some stores. Another very quick mask making technique is to sculpt some form and then drench it in liquid latex rubber. This will provide a much more rigid mask, but will lose some fine detail. This is a good method for a quick mask or a prop.

Molding

Masks are regarded in some cultures as objects suffused with powerful supernatural or spirit power. The craftsmen who make such masks are believed to absorb some of the power as they work. Thus, certain conventions are prescribed to protect the mask maker and assure that only positive spiritual influence flows from the mask to its wearer.

Many mask makers use latex slip casting, which is a method that allows the maker to create a mold of their sculpture and then pour in thick liquid rubber. Once the rubber has hardened the mask maker can pull out the mold, making a duplicate “production mold” each time to replace a worn-out original.

Some other mask makers use plaster & water clay to make their initial mask sculpture. These plaster molds can then be manipulated with papier mache to shape and cover the sculpture. This is the technique used to create masks for film, TV, theater, cosplay and Halloween.

Painting

After the artisan has made the desired mask shape and roughed it up with sandpaper he will cover it with white base coat of gofun mixed with natural animal glue (nikawa). This provides a solid base that is easy to paint upon.

After that he may start adding color using a wide variety of earth pigments applied with brushes. A mask may be painted to express supernatural characters, ancestors, or fanciful figures and some masks are characterized by their extreme realism.

For the modern artist mask making can be a powerful and tension-releasing avenue for self-exploration and expression. It can allow unexpected sides of ourselves to emerge and it can help us to honor parts of ourselves that may feel unrecognized, buried or perhaps even denied. For example, grief can feel like a journey without a road map and it can be a relief to create a visual representation of our current state on this journey.

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Experience the Thrill: Live Streaming NBA Games Worldwide

Basketball has always had the ability to captivate, with its non-stop action and high-flying heroes. Now, more than ever, the NBA is a global phenomenon. Fans thousands of miles away from the nearest arena can experience the thrill of the game as if they were courtside, thanks to live streaming, or as they say in Korea, ‘NBA중계’.

Imagine sitting in the comfort of your own home, yet being transported to a world where giants clash in a ballet of athleticism; that’s the magic of an NBA live stream. Whether it’s witnessing the finesse of a step-back three-pointer or the raw power of a rim-rattling dunk, the immersive experience is just a click away.

Streaming the NBA means you never have to miss that buzzer-beater shot or that monumental block that defines games. Please visit our site for the best experience in NBA live streams, where you can feel every dribble and every shot as if you were there in person. This is where your passion for basketball and technology meet in perfect harmony.

As the final buzzer sounds, and the players leave the court, you’re left with that exhilarating feeling of having been part of something special. You’re a fan, a global citizen of the basketball community, who’s just witnessed another amazing chapter in the rich history of the NBA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is an NBA중계?
An NBA중계 refers to a live broadcast or stream of an NBA game that allows fans to watch the games in real-time, usually over the internet.

2. How can I access NBA중계?
To access NBA중계, you typically need to visit a streaming service or website that offers live sports broadcasting. Ensure the service is available in your region and offers NBA games.

3. Is streaming NBA games legal?
Yes, streaming NBA games is legal as long as you use an official service or platform that has the broadcasting rights to show the live games.

4. Can I watch NBA중계 on my mobile device?
Yes, many services that offer NBA중계 are optimized for mobile devices, allowing you to watch games on the go via smartphones or tablets.

5. Do I need to pay to stream NBA games?
This depends on the service provider. Some streams might require a subscription, while others might offer free access with advertisements or have a one-time fee for individual games or events.…