Help needed to create mask from drawing.

[Future Thought]

My name's Scott and i'm a new member, Hi.

For many years i've simply been happy to sketch my ideas but recently someone suggested one of my drawing would make a great mask. I'd like to know if anyone would be willing to take a look at my design and discuss the project.

Many Thanks,

Scott

London, UK

[Just Carving]

Welcome Scott!

Probably the best thing to do is to post an image of one of your drawings and then the forum members would collectively be able to help you out. I'm willing to bet masks have been done and posted here. So, one way or another, we'll probably be able to help you or at least guide you to a resource that will help you

Bob L

[Future Thought]

Thanks Bob.

Here it is. It's called 'God Head' and it was inspired by a dream i had a few years back.

[Irish]

Hey Scott! Beautiful texture in your drawing. I can easily see the totem mask idea.

I took a copy of your drawing into PhotoShop ... hope you don't mind.

A totem mask does need basic eyes, nose and mouth lines but those are usually very stylized. I picked up the face from one of my mask drawings as an idea and overlaid it to your drawing.

I think that you have an excellent center line in your drawing for the ridge of the nose. I have placed my face over that line then connected it to the double curve above it. So that now that double curve flows to the center of your design to become the two sides of the nose.

I did stretch your drawing some on the vertical line so that the final mask is taller and a bit narrower. That gave me a little more room in the bottom half for the eyes, nose and mouth.

What ever face you decide on I think that all you would need to do is add a small halo around the facial features. You already have your areas sectioned off, this would section the facial features as well.

I would love to see this one carved!!!!

Susan

[Irish]

Ya know ... looking at this posted I think I would slant the eyes down towards the nose line. You have on your right side of the drawing a column of diagonal lines just above the right eye. I think I would slant the eyes to match the slant of those diagonal lines.

Susan

[Future Thought]

Hello Susan,

Sorry for the late response; i had an accident last Thursday, i fell down some stairs & badly bruised my back & shoulders, i literally couldn't hold my arms in a position to type. Anyway, much better now.

Thanks for adapting my image. I know it's simple but it's also very effective. My original drawing was intentionally 'Alien' like but your changes create a human element that actually adds to the intrigue. It's like a mask created by primitives to honor their Alien Gods, brilliant!! I'll keep you updated with any changes & ideas. Thanks Again.

Scott

[hruukki]

Good looking idea - it will look very original when carved, just like the sketch. That's something that cannot be purchased, so jump right in, it's bound to be a success. A question about your question though: did you mean more practical help also, or only help with designing the project?

Henri

[Future Thought]

Hello Henri,

I'm pleased you like it. I did mean practical help as i have no experience at all. I suppose i'm looking for someone to actually carve it, i appreciate that's probably not going to happen due to the time & effort involved but at least i've found a place to get some ideas & knowledge.

[Irish]

Scott! Sorry to hear about your fall, hope you are a bit better today!!!!

Why not try carving it yourself? Carving is a great hobby and your design would not be a difficult challenge. In fact I believe it would be a perfect beginner's piece as it is so stylized that it is very adaptable to a new carver.

You would most likely want to cut it out with a band saw or coping saw for the basic outline shape. Then do some basic level work to create different heights within the design, those individual levels have already been established with your original drawing. And then some basic v-gouve work to add the interior detailing.

For some very basic 'how to carve' instructions stop by my site at Woodcarving Patterns, Classic Carving Patterns Online, Wood Carving Designs & Patterns Online . In the top white table you will see five little barns that go from the pattern to the finished drawing. To the right side of that are three links ... One to our Primer area for really basic stuff and one to our free online tutorials!

Any help that you need along the way the members of the forum will chip in with ideas, suggestions and encouragement!

Susan

[Just Carving]

NO!! DON'T DO IT!! You'll become addicted and want to buy all kinds of neat tools and stuff. And you can't just do one!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! LOL

Hi Scott! Hope you're on the mend from your fall! Carving is a great hobby, pasttime, way to spend money, and even a way to make a living for some of these lucky people!

I highly recommend it--and like Susan said, we all chip in and help each other out. Look forward to seeing your work--it's unique and new!

Bob L