MASKS

The mysterious qualities of masks have always been fascinating.  Many beautiful masks are available, each with unique properties.  These are wonderful objects for shadow box framing. 

Neptune by Anthony A.  LoBue

This one-of-a-kind mask by Lobue is a Raku-fired depiction of Neptune, the god of the sea.  It has been mounted on a sea-green suede mat.  The upper mat is a moss green suede which is completed by a black-bubbled filet.  The frame is matte black and we used a slightly larger black-bubbled filet to match the inner filet. 

In our store we have a number of African products available.  These two masks are attractive wall items, with a powerful impact on viewers.

The above carnival masks come from Mexico.  The masks are mounted on a textured matboard, then there is a red-core black matboard for emphasis with a neutral matboard on top.  This sets off the masks to full advantage.  The frame is a lovely black "pitted" wood with an inner gold section.

A favorite with our framers (and obviously with our client) was a pair of Venetian masks.  These were mounted on a blue linen background.  Next came a gold fillet which matches the frame, and a neutral matboard.  The advantage of an open shadow box is that the viewer can see the mask directly and (if the owner is agreeable) even touch the mask and feel the exciting contours.

This pair of hand-made masks show the creativity of one our clients.  They have been mounted on specialty linen matboards to complement the textures and colors used in the mask.