Induction week - Wear a mask of yourself

Initially I explored a range of concepts and ideas in response to the brief, keeping my designs relatively simple and varied before beginning to focus on one theme. I explored the idea of lost identity, the way some people ‘mask’ their true selves in order to fit with society. - what are the parts of your personality you try to hide? I focused on the title more personally, thinking about how I see myself, and how others see me - physical features, and personality. Reflecting on the week so far I found myself drawn to the questions ‘why am I here?’ and ‘what do I want to learn’ I decided that the mask would represent a personal aim. Throughout the year I would like to broaden my contextual understanding and become more knowledgeable in my chosen field of study. An animal that I felt well reflects wisdom and knowledge is the owl.

After choosing my final design of the wise owl, I created a template and base for the head. I wanted my owl mask to be quite abstract, using a combination of simple shapes and patterns within the design  I created a fine feathered edge around the face. - I believe small details like this work successfully, helping to give the mask an higher quality.

When bringing All the components together I aimed to create a vast number of layers from different coloured card to create textue and detail.

Although I would have liked to include more layers of paper and a mixture of materials in my design, I feel that the block colours and shapes compliment each other well.

Its a shame that I didn't have time to further develop the design - Think that the layered head overbalances the face. the level of craftsmanship is not quite to the standard I would have liked.

Although not 3D/tactile, the eyes of owl are the focus and most engaging part of the mask, I like the feathered edge and feel that mask would have been more successful if similar patterns were feature elsewhere.

Final Outcome. Once the mask was completed I began to think about a choice of location, and  where would be relevant and suitable to photograph. I wanted to use a wooded back drop for my owl mask, but settled with a local park. 

successful: I think parts of the location are a really good choice of background such as the contorting tree and autumn leaves, but could have been utilised more effectively.

in terms of the composition, my aim was for the owl to be peering out from beside the tree. I feel that the arm completely ruins this effect, along with the angle of the photograph. I would have liked to have spent more time arranging a successful composition (if only my flatmates weren't so impatient) and invented a better way of holding the mask in place. Alternatively  a different composition of me and the mask in the foreground may have worked better.