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Art Show: Tangible: Art as Object

Fortune Teller

by Jen Thario

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Art: Fortune Teller by Artist Jen Thario
The 'Fortune Teller' is a functional, wearable mask. The mask is built on an adjustable pivoting headgear and works much like a welding helmet. This mask is featured the HGTV series 'Crafters Coast to Coast' (#261) I set out to create the perfect mask. I was tired of suffocating under latex masks, have you ever tried to dance the night away in one of those? Masks that were tied onto my head always slipped and had to be removed every time I wanted a sip of water. Makeup was worse, since by the end of a good party I usually looked like a different creature than the one I had arrived as. So I thought, yeah, I can do better! My masks are made of paper mache (maiche.) I do not use newsprint, rather I layer thousands of strips of recycled office paper to build up a sturdy shell that is between 1/8" and 1/4" thick. I also use a mixture of white glue and water for durability. The shape is built over a plastic adjustable headgear and the result is very similar to the fit and function of a welding helmet, only much lighter in weight. Eye holes are cut and the mask is then hand painted with acrylic paint. The finished mask is incredibly strong, durable and lightweight. The mask is hand painted and signed on the inside. It should match just about any outfit, but I think I like them best worn with a zoot suit or a saucy cocktail dress.

Detail Images


Detail Image for art Fortune Teller

Detail Image for art Fortune Teller

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