6/13/2023 0 Comments Mask making workshops hiri![]() ![]() We then selected our paint and began coloring our masks with a large paintbrush similar to what one might use to paint woodwork in a house. I chose the traditional full face mask known as the volto, while others chose the half-mask known as dama, or the gatto, which is shaped like a cat. The atmosphere was light and fun as we set to work. The walls were covered with inspiring photos of completed masks, and countless bottles of paints covered the surfaces.įiorella directed us to each select a papier-mache white mask and then provided us with aprons. In the Ca’Macana workshop, the lovely Fiorella guided myself and a few others in the mask-painting experience. Where to make your own Venetian maskįrom the moment I entered the shop, I was mesmerized by the huge and varied selection of masks: elegant, scary, fun, and everything in between. The workshop and store is located in the Dorsoduro district, known as the student and artisan district and “the real Venice,” where galleries and churches can be found, as well as a lively nightlife-perfect to sip a glass of sparkling Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene of the Veneto during aperitivo. Today, the mask-makers at Ca’Macana "craft authentic handmade masks in the same way Venetian artisans did 800 years ago.” The masks featured in the 1999 Hollywood Stanley Kubrick film, Eyes Wide Shut, starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, were created here. It was not until 1979 that Carnival was revived and the mask-making shops began to emerge once again in Venice. The use and tradition of wearing masks declined rapidly and disappeared entirely for close to two centuries. This all ended in the late 18th century with the fall of the Venetian Republic, and Carnival and mask-wearing were banned by the King of Austria, who now was in power. Laws were passed that permitted Venetians to wear masks beginning on the Feast of Santo Stefano, December 26, up until the start of Carnival on Shrove Tuesday in February. The poor mingled with the rich, and the rich could partake in questionable activities that high society rules forbade them. Behind a mask, everyday citizens were indistinguishable from wealthy landowners and nobles. This prompted Venetians to wear masks throughout the year to hide their social class with a disguise, a person could “let loose” and pretend to be anyone. Another banned the masks that were worn in convents and gambling establishments, hiding identities that allowed them to get away with immoral activities.ĭuring the 17th century, Venice’s rigid class system kept citizens in their place. Little is documented as to the reasons behind the laws, but it may have been to control some publicly disruptive behaviors: one such rule was targeted at masked men throwing eggs at women who were out for their passeggiata, or walk. The wearing of masks in Venice dates back to the 13th century, when laws were first passed to regulate masks. I decided to seek out one of the oldest and finest mask-making workshops in Venice, Ca’Macana. The elaborate and colorful Venetian masks worn at Carnival have always amazed me. Mention Venice and images of gondolas, St Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, and Carnival immediately come to mind-maybe even the Rialto fish market, cicchetti, and a Spritz too, especially if you’ve been to Venice at least once.Īside from these typical tourist experiences, I am intrigued by what happens behind the scenes, and I tend to gravitate toward unique, out-of-the-way places whenever I travel. I supply most of the basic materials and the studio environment itself, which becomes a wonderful container for the creative process.A mask-making workshop in Venice is definitely a fun way to have a unique experience and personal souvenir. In fact, often the individual who thinks she/he is the least creative, comes up with the most charming and magical mask. there is value in mirroring one's own inner world and great pleasure in giving form to the products of one's own imagination.Īlthough it takes time to make a good mask, no previous skill is required. There is something wonderfully dynamic and paradoxical about masks, which have the ability to both hide and reveal. The experience has been richly rewarding both for me and for my students. I continue to work with mask-making and have led classes from time to time. Subsequently I pursued mask-making as an expressive art and continued throughout graduate school and after, studying and taking workshops with fine mask-makers. During that time I was seeing a Jungian Analyst and did some powerful work with the imagery evoked by these masks. I wrote stories, played music, made collages and made a series of paper-mache masks in order to somehow reach a deeper perspective and give my life a new direcrtion. ![]() Many years ago during an impasse in my life, I took some time off and explored every creative outlet I was attracted to. ![]()
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