A lot of people have asked me how I build my masks, so I have decided to show you some of the mystery and magic that goes into building a mask.

Step 1

This is how most of my masks start, a lifecast on a beautician's head. By the way, this is how a lifecast is usually done. I use a latex blank from Lyonshel Studios to align the eyes and nose/muzzle lines. In the past, I have also used simple blanks made of cardboard because of the need for support. I then attach a piece of closed cell packing foam (used to ship televisions) to create the bridge of the nose and support for the pallet. It is attached to the top of the head with E6000 industrial glue (I love the stuff) and carved to make room for the wearer's nose.

Step 2

It is at this point after carving the head a little that I attach the feline jawset blank (in this case, a plastic copy of a cougar jaw.) I make sure that it is aligned with the wearer's upper pallet and the front teeth/lip of the lifecast. This is an important part of the process to make sure that the muzzle is going to be centered and straight. It also determines how long the muzzle is going to be.

Step 3

Now the fun begins. I start with a solid foundation and begin to sculpt the form for the face with an active wire mesh starting at the strongest point and working outwards. This is blister-my-fingers time as I use the mega-lava-hot glue gun to spot-glue the pieces in place. Active wire mesh is stretchable and formable. I have use aluminum screen mesh before, but it took twice as long to get the same result. Here I am creating the foundation for the rest of the mask and providing a base for the celluclay that comes later.

Step 4

Here we continue to create the face. The muzzle takes shape, the eyes and cheek bones are created, and the face really begins to come to life. Every piece of spot-glued with the thermonuclear glue gun.

Step 5

There is no picture for this step, because I go into a sculpting frenzy and can't stop until I'm done applying the paperclay, but this step is where the real magic lies, and everyone loves mystery, right? Right? Hey, where are you going? Come back!

Step 6

Here is the birth of the top half of the mask. Isn't she pretty? This customer does not want the final piece shown here for some reason, so I will continue taking pictures up to the point where I add the fur.