Alchemical Mask Making with Carl Bridge & John Hyde
CoSM, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
46 Deer Hill Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, USA
New York
41.5802229
-73.9361516
Description
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Masks are used in cultural celebrations, religious rituals and performing arts across the globe. While most often experienced as an aspect of entertainment or celebration, masks hold the potential for deep transformation. Masks can protect and disguise for the wearer, and give the observer the opportunity to look beyond the wearer to archetypal energies that transcend human form.
“Pindo,” epoxy clay and printed parts, 2022, Carl Bridge
It is rare in our culture to find opportunities to wear a mask outside of Halloween or a performance, so we will discuss the possibilities where one can explore masking at a deeper level; moving from costume, to the performer, and ultimately; embodiment or “shapeshifting”.
Left: Konden, mixed materials, 2016 Carl Bridge. Right: Cervidae, paper and reed, 2021, Carl Bridge
Alchemists attempted to purify, mature and perfect materials through the process of transmutation with the aim to fuse or reunite with the divine original form. As a mask reshapes the outside visage it holds the potential for inner transformation, coalescing the spirit of a mask within oneself.
“Coal,” epoxy clay and printed parts, 2023, Carl Bridge
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This workshop will offer basic techniques for creating a mask, with purposeful intention in the creative process. Both the materials chosen and the fabrication process itself will explore the experience of embodying archetypes and entities via the new visage that has been shaped, and by bringing that entity into form we draw those energies into our lives.
Nimba Performance, 2015, Wofa dance company
Participants will be led through one of the most simple and accessible methods of mask making by using papier-mâché, and manual techniques that can create intricate detail even with simple recycled materials. This workshop will also look at other approaches as well as materials that can be used to embellish one’s mask.
Kawa, shell and mixed media, 2009
No prior experience is required for this workshop. Familiarity with sculpting is helpful, but not necessary.
Mask making workshop led by Carl Bridge at Omega Mart, Meow Wolf Las Vegas
Trolls, Mixed media, 2023, Carl Bridge
For this approach to mask making, participants will need to have a general face form and oil based clay. Students will provide basic measurements at check out, and Carl & John will print custom scaled face forms. 2 weeks lead time required, or average-size face forms will be available.
“Snapshot”, Latex, 2016, Carl Bridge
YOUR INSTRUCTORS:
Carl Bridge:
Carl Bridge is a multimedia artist and educator living in Western Massachusetts. His explorations span from sculpture, painting, mask making, and costuming, to creating musical instruments and live performances. Carl has gained a broad range of fabrication skills through over a decade working within the film and theater industries, and another 15 years in education where he has been able to share those skills and his love of masks and puppets with others.
Carl has been striving to bring his work into environments where they can step beyond the stage and interact with an audience. His masks have made appearances at a number of festivals in the Northeast, such as Elements, Fractal Fest, and Spiritfire with beings meant to bring mirth, challenge, and hold space for deep ritual; embracing both the sacred and profane.
www.thebridgebrothers.com/portfolio-carl-bridge | @carl.bridge
Carl’s studio under constant surveillance
John Hyde:
John Hyde is an artist whose creative spirit is inspired by nature and emotion evoked through the transformative powers of both the creation and performance of his pieces.
With a healthy respect for the level of emotion that can be felt while viewing unsettling pieces, he attempts to hone his work to help the viewer safely journey to a place where we can explore the darker side of ourselves. The creations are carefully crafted from traditional and innovative tools so that we can, through conscientious creation, and then sacred play, perhaps discover a path to knowing ourselves better.
www.johntwyghyde.com | @johntwyghydeart
Dante, digital sculpture, 2022, John "Twyg" Hyde
CoSM WORKSHOP SETTING:
Class sessions will take place in the beautiful, newly renovated MAGI Art Lab.
The Grey House, CoSM's Visionary Victorian guest house, provides accommodations for all participants. Residing onsite together is a part of this immersively creative week, providing maximum benefit & enrichment.
Accommodations in Grey House are offered in a variety of economies, in addition to the workshop fee. A $75 commuters fee applies to participants staying offsite.
Participants are welcome to extend their overnight stay at CoSM to the Thursday before and/or the Monday after the workshop.
WORKSHOP AMMENITIES
Available for the duration of the 3 day workshop:
Healthy meals by CoSM chefs, starting with dinner on Friday and ending with lunch on Sunday
Coffee, tea and snacks available in the Art Lab between meals
Access to Grey House common spaces — The Library, The Parlor, The Dining Hall & Gallery Spaces on all three floors.
Yoga mats for self guided practice
Accommodations include private rooms and shared dorm rooms—femme only or co-ed options.
The Wisdom Trail offers a contemplative walk through the CoSM woods, including a labyrinth, outdoor sculptural installations by visionary artists
Tuition also includes Day Admission to CoSM: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 6pm:
Access to Facilities, grounds and self-touring Entheon
Students are welcome to experience Entheon and Grey House Galleries, including both CoSM Shop & Entheon Shop.
Beverages and light fare will be available for purchase in the Mushroom Cafe
MATERIALS:
Required Materials:
For this approach to mask making, participants will need to have:
Oil based clay
A general face form
Oil Based Clay:
Participants will be responsible for one or two blocks of oil based clay of one’s preference. While firmer clays are ideal for detailed sculpting, this process will not require high detail and softer clays may allow for faster sculpting.
Here are a couple options:
Medium: https://www.dickblick.com/products/chavant-prima-plastilina-clay/
Softer: https://www.dickblick.com/products/chavant-jolly-king-plasteline/
Participant Face Forms:
While a personalized plaster cast might be ideal for this process, to expedite our work; Carl and John will provide printed face forms for participants. Upon registering participants are asked to provide some general measurements of ones head (width, height and circumference at brow). A roughly scaled print of a neutral face will be created for each participant. 3 weeks lead time will be required, otherwise some “average” faces will be available.
Provided Materials:
Custom printed face form (requires three week lead time & measurements) or average-size printed face form
All basic materials for paper Mâché will be provided, as well as primer and basic acrylics.
Some shared tools will be available.
Suggested Materials:
Beyond bringing 1-2 blocks of oil based clay, participants are encouraged to bring personal paints and decorative elements such as shells, beads, or natural found objects that they wish to include within their mask.
While some shared tools will be available, tools that will be helpful in the process are;
Sculpting tools including ceramic loop tools
Scissors/shears
X-Acto or matte knife
Hair dryer or heat gun to accelerate the drying process
Please bring your own tools if you are able to, and let us know if you are relying on the above class tools for the workshop, in order to confirm availability.
SCHEDULE:
All times are listed in EDT
Friday, August 9th
3pm-5pm: Guests arrive no later than 5pm and check-in to their rooms.
6pm: Dinner & Orientation are part of the workshop for all participants.
7:30pm: Introductions and evening presentation
Saturday, August 10th
8am - 10am: Self-serve breakfast in the Dining Hall
10am: Work Session in the Art Lab
1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
3pm: Work Session in the Art Lab
6pm: Dinner in the Dining Hall
7:30pm: Work Session in the Art Lab
Sunday, August 11th
8am - 10am: Self-serve breakfast in the Dining Hall
10am: Work Session in the Art Lab
1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
2pm: End of Workshop
6pm: CoSM Closes
CoSM and Entheon are open weekly on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12pm - 6pm when CoSM Grounds close. Tuition includes day passes during open hours to CoSM facilities and grounds for the duration of the workshop.
TUITION:
Tuition for the 3-day Alchemical Mask Making workshop with Carl Bridge and John Hyde includes meals - $400.00
Accommodations are additional
Payment plans available, with all funds due one month before the start of the workshop
For further information, contact workshop@cosm.org
“Naught”, papier-mâché, 2024, Carl Bridge
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Grey House, CoSM’s Visionary Victorian guest house offers accommodations for all participants. Works of art by Alex Grey, Allyson Grey and accomplished artists of the international Visionary Art community are featured throughout the guest rooms and common spaces of the guest house.
Onsite accommodations are a part of the course experience and are available in a variety of economies. Pricing for the two night stay, arriving Friday, August 9th and departing Sunday, August 11th, reflective of the 10% workshop discount:
King with ensuite bathroom $495.00
Queen with ensuite bathroom $450.00
Private Queen/shared bath $360.00
Dorm Bed: Queen $297.00
Dorm bed: Single $243.00 *co-ed & women’s only options available
A $75 commuters fee applies to participants staying offsite.
Workshop accommodations must be booked directly through the workshop department with confirmation of workshop registration, rather than through the booking engine on the website. Email workshop@cosm.org to secure your stay.
Questions about tuition or accommodation fees, payment plans, travel, retreat amenities, materials etc.?
Contact Genevieve Wood, Workshop Coordinator: workshop@cosm.org
This listing has no upcoming events
Start:
2024-08-09T17:00:00-04:00
End:
2024-08-11T14:00:00-04:00
Category
Crafts
Tickets
General Admission
400.0
USD
8