I'm a professional artist, with 10 years experience of making masks. My interest in masks was first sparked by the wonderful fantasy masquerade scene in the film 'Labyrinth'. A few years later, on a trip to Florence, Italy, I became entranced by masks all over again when I walked into a tiny shop that was filled from floor to ceiling with beguiling papier-mache masks. Then and there, I decided that I would love to make my own. I was already experimenting with costume design, and making masks felt like a natural progression. I had talked of my desire to create masks to so many people by that point, that I was approached by a live-action roleplay group, NWO Games, to make five masks as props for one of their weekend events. This provided the perfect opportunity for me to finally embark on my mask-making career. My methods of mask construction have been carefully researched and are based on the traditional techniques of Venetian mask-makers. All of my masks are designed and completely hand made by me, from the initial concept sketches, the sculpted clay patterns and moulds, to the layered papier mâché and crafted leather of the finished pieces. My papier mâché masks go through an intense process of sanding and gessoing to achieve a smooth surface before painting. They may then be further decorated with a variety of finishes, including metal-leaf, antiquing and crackle glaze. Some are also covered in a range of fabrics including holographic designs, brocades, satin, antique lace, suede and kid leather, and embellished with feathers, braid, beads and swarovski crystal. During this final stage, each mask takes on its own persona; no two masks will ever be identical. My leather masks are sculpted by hand in finest quality medium weight veg-tanned leather, then dyed using eco-friendly colours and finished with an acrylic sealant to preserve their finish and make them water resistant. I take great care to ensure that all of my work is of the highest quality, and hope that each piece will provide pleasure and delight for many years. http://www.xothique.com