Saturday, October 9, 2010

And Then There Were Two

It was the beginning of a mask (below). Then, I dropped it and it became two halves.
Kind of cool how we are fractured, but still whole. How we have sides of us that we aren't particularly proud of, but must still embrace. Took your mind off of how the heck did I drop a 6x8" piece? I do these in multiple curings. Add a layer, bake, cool, building up the features as I go. I bake them on cardboard; or I did. Not anymore. Now I use a tray WITH SIDES, lined with parchment.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've always been fascinated with the non-symmetrical two sides of the human face.
Connected to that, your accident morphed this mask into something totally different, and I love the meaning behind it.

Desert Rubble said...

oh my goodness, that's too bad! Way to make lemonade from lemons though. I always worry I'm gonna drop my items on my way to the oven, one day I will, it'll be sad :)

Unknown said...

I'm right there with Barbara's comment. What an interesting face too! So will you try to "fix" it back in to one face or use it as is with the two pieces? I can see so many possibilities either way!

Anonymous said...

Interesting how things work out, Marlene. Though I am sorry you dropped it in the first place. Great way to ponder on things when things don't go the way you want them to. Yes, I believe we each have a side we are not particulary fond of and so we embrace it because it is a huge part of our makeup. I believe we will be made perfect once we leave this world and meet our Creator. Looking forward to that day when we will be able to eat anything and we won't gain an ounce! Oh, by the way if I haven't said before, love your masks!

Marlene Brady said...

Thanks everyone. No, I decided not to fix it and, happily, the trash fairies carried it off. I'm working on some polymer stone jewelry and just didn't want to store it. I loved your comments. Thanks again.

coltpixy said...

Oh no! You trashed it? I love the two halves.
I build my masks on a wire mesh armature but it is what I bake it in that you might find useful. I have a mound of baking soda in a pan and bake it on that to help hold the shape.
2GoodClaymates told me about burying polymer clay in baking soda for baking to prevent discoloration. One day I thought to try using it for a cushion to prevent slump. Worked out good.

Marlene Brady said...

I may give that a try. Good to know. Just the image of a floor full of baking soda scares me, but I will think positive and give it a try. Thank you.