Sculpture: Behind the Mask

I made it. We made it! With the help from my Sculpture teacher, Gary, and Ceramics teacher, Joe, I finally finished my sculpture of this semester: Behind the Mask.

I started this piece after Spring Break and worked very hard on it. I was inspired by a Japanese poem and decided to embody the idea of rapid industrialization and Asian tradition into the same piece. After studying abroad, I really come to understand that although China is growing fast economically, it is essential for Chinese people to preserve our tradition so that the materialism is able to sustain itself based on social morality and unity.

This is how I started the sculpture with newspaper and white paper clay.

Two weeks after. I worked extra hours after school and it is very exciting to see the development every day. The Metal Skull was very challenging because of all those details. At first I did not even know where to start and I started with the basic 3D structure of the eye, cheek bone, and mouth. I just let the sculpture develop itself and this is where it leads me to.

After it is completely dry, Joe helped me with the glaze and we fired the head twice. This is before the second firing and the green paint is palladium. I had to take a break and breathe some fresh air frequently because palladium is a dangerous chemical.

After second firing. The Metal Skull came out beautifully.

Can you believe it? This is merely CLAY and GLAZE!

It took me about one hour to paint the other side of the head, the Beijing Opera Mask, which represents the Chinese culture.

I had a bob style wig and I trimmed it into an Beijing Opera hairstyle. Also notice the blue eye on the Metal Skull. :D

This is the final look! Gary and I worked together to put the half crown on the head and it was the final tricky part of this sculpture. The Opera side and the Metal Skull create interesting contrast and I hope that it makes people to think what is really "behind the mask".

It was a great adventure making this sculpture. It took me to a completely new realm in Sculpture with the carving skills on clay, firing technology, and being extremely patient and persistent. A big Thank You to Gary, Joe and Ms. Mosley! Without your help this wonderful sculpture cannot be done.

I have learned so much this year in Sculpture and I cannot wait to explore more next year!