BECOMING A MASK WARRIOR (WEARER)

Artist: Susan Seddon Boulet

A few weeks ago, a wonderful friend and myself were sitting together enjoying some teatime. Both very creative spirits, this idea popped up. She is a dancer, I am an artist, she works with the elements, I work with masks. So, now a creative workshop is being weaved, as subject the four (earth, water, fire, air) elements and as creative expression masks and dance.

I have a fascination towards masks since I can remember, especially the stories behind its coming into being. I can feel how the masks are talking to me, but it takes silence to understand. It is not in words, more images, feelings. The first time the power of mask-making touched my being, it came as a surprise, unexpected. It was a day of inner silence, enjoying 'time off'', away from the city and busy life, relaxing now within a Ticino Mountainside overlooking a deep lake surrounded by vineyard hills and a clear blue sommer sky. Here all the elements were present, talking and the unexpected was, I understood, I was listening again.

Artist?, The Elements

pic from net

A mask has spirit, it is alive, it is a mirror. To buy a mask or to create one, are two different experiences. Creating a mask of your own face is personal. It is a relationship coming into being from within to the outside. If you open your heart and jump into this mirror, a shift happens, new perspectives are revealed, you come face to face with your Being. A purchased mask serves more as decoration on the wall with a touch of Mystery.

Artist: Norman Rockwell

All living beings are mask makers; the face is an amazing instrument, changes all the time. Sit one day in a café and watch faces, then start watching yourself. It is amazing! The changes in our faces and personalities happens so fast, we don't even notice the switch. That's the scary part! Most of us are unconcious about this play, some study it, few have become Mask Warriors (Wearers). They control the masks and not the other way around. Creating masks helps me to peel of the layers of my personal mind-suit, the layers and layers of identities, right down to the core. I wonder if there is a core? Peel an onion with this question in mind and you will know.

Mask-making, catching a mask spirit,

becoming a mask-warrior (wearer)

To become a concious mask warrior, you have to face them, give them color, bring them into the light. Listen to what they have to say, answer with your heart, be creative. Wearing the mask and dancing it, the world around you disappears you become the mask, the mask becomes you, you are one, Life's creation.

Artist: Susan Seddon Boulet

When the mask is ready to be taken off, halfdry, start moving your face underneath it. It might twitch a bit, good, you are shedding your skin, but don't force it. Let go and slowly peel off the mask. It is a special moment, have the courage and look at it. There, there, hello face spirit! I usually wander about, take it with me for a walk and we look together for a suitable place to hang out, a natural protected surrounding, a nest to rest. This mask is a part of my Self, now born into the world, visible and naked, in the open. Just like a baby. How is a baby taken care of?

It is important to see the mask throughout wake time. Hidden but in sight! Doing your daily chores, frequently passing the mask, look at it, feel it, and then go on. It is good to relate with something new in a gentle, quiet way. Carry a notebook, write down words. Words of reactions towards the mask. When you sense the time is right, sit down and face the mask, go into relationship. Start listening, turn the volume of the in- and outside voices down. That's the moment to take that step and to connect with the spirit of the mask, communication, listen. It is your face, your Being, how much do you honour your Self?

The contact can happen in an instant, it can also take days. Important is not to force it. I still have one mask which is resting in a box since months, calling. It is a very powerful one, I'm just not ready yet.

After uniting with the spirit of the mask, images start to appear, a face, color. It calls to be given a living face, to become manifest in color.

Massaging the mask with soft brushes dipped in beautiful colors, has an heartopening effect. While giving the mask its make-up, forgotten memories appear, emotions. Some are pleasant, some not, it does not matter. There can be a hate-love relationship towards the mask, here you are onto something profound, don't give up! You will feel so much love for this mask, all is forgiven at the end. Sometimes a rest is necessary, some space, that's okay. But you will know when the time is ready to make an end. The mask is awakened, time to find it's place in your world.

Blue Mountain Spirit - awakened

My notes:

Stone, cold, rock, ice, cracks, water, blue light,

cold mountain, moon & stars, loneliness, hot sun, emptiness,

healing water within, find the source, a hole, a waterfall,

life, flowers, friends, family, love, joy.

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The next step is to search a spot where it is at home, I prefer a natural surrounding uplifting the masks spirit, its character. Listen to the mask, it will lead you. After it is settled in its new home, I usually sit there awhile and enjoy our being together. We are one, it is not I, but us. It is a part of my Self, now visible in my outer world, face to face. No more hide'n'seek, but a mirror whispering "look at us, listen to our story!"

Blue Mountain Spirit

Janine Weber

The words written down in the notebook, become now a story. Piece by piece a poem comes together, the nature of the mask, your Being. It contains many hidden keys to healing doors, it is sort of a riddle. It might take awhile to solve it, to see beyond the words, trust your heart, it understands, open. Sing a song of the words, dance its rhythm, paint its colors, sometimes silence is enough. Somehow self made masks have this power of reflection. It is a mirror of one's Self, a reflection of our Being.

Wise Owl Spirit - in disguise

This I wish to share with friends, with people who are interested in mask making and the most fun is with children, they still listen to the ancient language of the universe, they are the teachers. So, try it out. Does not cost much, you can get Plaster of Paris in any Artstore or ask your doctor, check out the hospitals, every thing has an expiry date on it. They give it for free! Any Color can do, paint with your fingers or Q-Tips if no brushes at hand. Any Vaseline at hand, thick greasy cream will do to. Water, well luckily still free, or almost.

Wild Owl Spirit - awakened

Janine Weber

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Have fun becoming a concious Mask Warrior (Wearer).

J.W.