Crop Bringing Mask

Comment

Comment by Valentine Mark Herman on October 21, 2013 at 4:15am

Bonjour again Lorella,  an d thanks! Yes some of my masks are disturbing. They are meant to be as they may represent evil spirits, or they may be meant to destroy evil spirits, etc. Original African masks quite often are made for these purposes, and the mask wearers participate in dances and festivities designed to overcome various evil forces. I only made one stone sculptor and only made one sculpture of a little warrior. I don't have the facilities here to make any more, alas., so that part of my 'artistic career' (ha!) is on temporary hold.

Comment by Lorella on October 20, 2013 at 10:55pm

dear valentine i saw your site which is very well done. I must say that some masks are really nice other disturbing obviously still have the allure of mystery. how are your sculptures in stone?

Comment by Valentine Mark Herman on October 19, 2013 at 4:48am

Bonjour Lorella!
A two-part explanation:

First, masks are a sort of spin-off from my interest in Aboriginal art. My masks are inspired by African masks, most notably Fang masks. I'm very much into 'ethnic' art at the moment -- besides Mail Art, of course. (Look at he 'Aboriginal Art' and 'Masks' sections of my web-site www.val-herman-art.eu if you want to see other examples of these)

Second, I buy lots of things from local flea markets. If I look hard enough, and am lucky, I can find masks there. They are usaully either in very bad condition or very ugly, or both, and I repair and recycle them through my art.

Regards!

Comment by Lorella on October 17, 2013 at 8:19pm

I'd like to know how you did your passion for masks

Comment by Valentine Mark Herman on October 17, 2013 at 7:07pm

I knew this Amy! A witch doctor that wears one of my masks sent his Spiritual Soul to your house last weekend to check out the colours for me. He obviously did a good job!

Comment by Amy Irwen on October 17, 2013 at 5:41pm

ahem! those are the colors in my front living room....Christmas, she is a-coming *!*

Comment by Amy Irwen on October 17, 2013 at 5:40pm

WOW....love the bright colors....an original!