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tarkheki — By the firelight
Published: 2008-10-31 04:48:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 4685; Favourites: 146; Downloads: 35
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Description
I haven't been able to get back to wood carving masks since I came back from out west. Problem is, I don't have a work bench or vice/clip to stabilize the wood so I can hack large chunks out of it when hollowing the mask, or cutting it down to the preliminary shape I need.This doesn't mean, I have not been designing them, though.
There is a long background to this piece, including some issues of appropriation, and the rights to design and style and when and how they should be applied.
For the whole story, go check out my Live Journal .
The picture depicts to performers reenacting a story by the firelight. The large looming one is a Bat, and the one crouching is a Fox.
I'm looking into the workbench as of this weekend. I need to carve my masks.
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Comments: 54
Thank you! It's far more magic to be there in person- and the temptation to touch the masks still exist! XD
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After looking through your stuff I had a dream and submitted the first deviation I've had for a long time.
[link]
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really nice done. It's like I'm seeing this mask inside some rustic house and there is fire in some place which reflects on the masks.
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I was hoping to get that feel- a lot of people who didn't or never get the chance to attend those celebration really have no concept of how magnificent it is. I hope to have at least capture a small fraction of magic.
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You really did, I've in those places, my family are all indigenous (they are MAZATECOS: [link] ) when I was a child my grandparents used to lived in without electricy or any sort of modern things in their house.
When night felt, everything was illuminated with candles, oil lamps or "braceros" (some kind of rustic stove made by a wooden box with dirth which was where they put firewood to cook and it was supported by four post) I loved how the fire danced and created shadows agains the roof.
So, when I saw this image I though about it :3
Thanks x33333333
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I know who the Mazateocs are... in fact, my friend had wanted to go down to visit Oaxaca! I'm delighted that I can have such a wide range of people to speak with- and I'm happy that I can relate to them through my art!
Thank you so muhc for you kinds words about the subject as well... I'm glad I pegged the pic. I had a few senior colleagues start picking apart the image on a technical level- and my friends who have been in attendance of a Big House dance all thought they were nuts. It's hard to explain to people who have never been, just how visually deceptive the atmosphere gets. XD
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Note to self: Full View is a lovely feature ...
Although the bat mask looks more striking, out of these two I prefer the fox mask. It's giving off an air of absolute mysteriousness, especially in the lighting you have chosen. I'd hate to meet this mask in the dark, because I'd be scared witless by it. Impressive, impressive ...
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All the masks can get you to jump out of your skin if you aren't aware of them. And yet, after the double take, you tend to be more soothed than alarmed.
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Maybe ... up to this day I haven't made this experience. Familiarity with the characters they relate to may also help...
In our culture masks don't play a prominent role; the only thing I can think of off the top of my head are the long-nosed masks of medieval pestilence doctors. They, of cours, didn't exactly inspire confidence, since they look fairly menacing and have always been harbingers of death and sickness. That's why here in Europe masks don't trigger exclusively positive associations.
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This is great. You captured the firelight feel perfectly. Amazing work
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Thank you!
It's easy to mimic once you see it with your own eyes.
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AWESOME. Damn, I envy your skills.
Yeah, I wanted to do that too-only MY problem was that I couldn't find the right size of wood. Or the right wood, for that matter. (stupid lumber stores NEVER sell basswood...) If you cant get the right stuff for a wood mask, you could use the technique I used for my fox and deer mask. It...works surprisingly well.
[link]
[link]
I'd use the one I had for the fox mask though-its much lighter. XD
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Well, you don't use Basswood for carving masks. Cedar is the main one, oak, cherry, and pine are the close seconds (but very rare).
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Yes, that's what I read in a book (cant think of the title at the moment...) But I've always preferred basswood over cedar and pine-and its the wood I have the most experiance with. Its a hard choice between going with what I'm comfertable working and what the book says...
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That's not "What the book says" - it's what hundreds of years of traditional culture dictates.
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you do realize that masks were created for many years with out vice gripes
this is a great picture and I love everything about it, and I love seeing masks of animals that are usually ignored.
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I do... but those people who made them had actual upper-body/arm strength and no osteoporosis. So I'm betting they had no problem holding the wood still.
Considering I saw some carvers use chainsaws and drills, I'm willing to settle just for a vice.
BTW, I'm glad to hear form you! I was thinking I was going to send you a note tonight to see what was up with you. Haven't heard form you in quite a bit!
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WOW, very nice. i did a couple of african inspored masks back in high school but they were really small, like palm size. i have the same problem you do. NO equipment to work with. that stuff can run into some serious cash if you want all the nice toys. sucks don't it?
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when I saw the small preview of this piece among the other artwork I'm watching the first thing I thought was: "that's an interesting looking photograph" now it turns out to be a (very nice) drawing. You tricked me!
I've always liked masks like those of the artpiece. It must be nice to be able to create such beautiful works
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Thank you so much! No greater a compliment than thinking a drawing to be a photograph. I'm so humbled!
Yah, it is nice. Both to design, and then to carve. It's a really different feeling to be able to bring a concept form an illustration to life.
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Hehe, you're very welcome ^-^ The enthousiasm somewhat took me by surprise
I've worked mostly with clay if it wasn't drawing. Tried wood once but it didn't work out that well (made a lizard 
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I love these designs!!!!
Carving wood masks sounds like tough work, but it seems that it would be very enjoyable and rewarding when you're finished.
I've only made clay masks :\
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It is tough work, but once you get the hang of it, it's just another medium. Certainly, a very durable medium as well.
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It's sounds like a lot of fun : )
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Oh stop! You so are. I appreciate your continuous support... it really does mean a lot to me. 
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Lovely work once again Tarkie. The design of the masks are very unique with strong colours (like the Bat mask) and interesting form (fox mask). It is also a good thing you didn't add anything to the background because if you did, then it'll just loose the figures in the foreground. Awesome work!
I was just wondering what medium did you use to make this piece. I'm thinking the line of pencil crayons or pastels but I'm not too sure.
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Hey there!
Yah, this piece actually HAD a bg.. and you are looking at it. The atmosphere one gets in Long-houses in ceremonial times is just amazing. Some corners are engulfed in black, and the main head of the house is illuminated. It's so awesome. XD
As always, it's pencil. Pencil on Craft paper this time- the books they sell for scrap booking are ridiculous in quality, and a price to match. I had to get at least one for myself. I'm so happy I did. XD
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SUPER awesome work on the lighting! No background at all and yet it is so evocative. You can tell there's a fire below them and just sense the drama going on between the two.
What kind of wood do you use to carve the masks out of?
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Traditionally, Red or Yellow Cedar. Sometimes I will use an "industrial standard" drift wood if it's for decor masks and carvings and not ceremonial. I might use it as well if I can't get my hands on cedar, and the client doesn't have any preference.
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Gagh, I still can't believe you do this on paper. Kudos.
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Thank you!
You always comment on everything I do- I can't thank you enough.
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That is South American, this is North West Pacific.
And watch what you say- to some poeple this is their culture, and that could be taken offensively.
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Ah ok I got the two mixed up. Usually I can always tell if is, my mom's got pics of 'em all over her room(she likes scary stuff like that).
awesome pic anyway.
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I was and have been always facinated with these types of masks, i only wish i knew more about their deeper meanings than their astetic appearances
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The best way to find out is to take a trip to the North West Pacific and ask the galleries about them! They usually have lots of artist's statements and information available about them.
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man, as much as i would really love to do that (and i really would) sadly my income prevents me from doing anything exciting like that. But if i ever do find myself there, i'll be sure to ask around
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They look awesome and everything, but I really love the colors!
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Firelight colors are so warm... and they have such a magic tone to them.
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they're beautiful! you really do have a lot of talent!
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Yes, I really liek the real look. THe desgin too.
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Awesomeness to the extreme!!!!
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