(Click on the pic to buy a copy of) The FANTABULOUS Coloring Book of Masks Illustrated By Douglas Witt
Dear Readers,
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been following along with my blog this first month. I also want to apologize for the length of this two-part blog post. Artist’s block is a complex and deeply personal topic, and I wanted to give it the attention and depth of breath it deserves. I promise that my future posts will be shorter—maybe!
This month’s blog theme has been about getting to know me and discussing the subjects that are so precious to me. I deeply love art and have a more profound passion for masks and mask-making. I have been blessed to travel extensively, sharing my passion for masks with hundreds of thousands of people, from the very young to the young at heart, from one coast of Canada to the other and deep into the far northern provinces and territories of the Canadian Arctic.
Thank you all so much for your engagement, feedback, and support. It means the world to me, and I feel fortunate to have such a dedicated readership. Thank you for reading, sharing your thoughts, and embarking on this creative journey with me.
Thank you to my dear friend Mathieu René for his invaluable support and insight. His encouragement has been instrumental in my artistic journey and the creation of TheaterLunaire. Please visit hisInstagramand show him gratitude. He has personally spent hours working on the videos for this past blog post and narrated them.
Photo By Scott Lough “Bucking the Trend in Eyewear”
Also, thank you to Roberta, who has been helping me create this website from scratch and building it from the ground up, paid in cookies at times. It means so much to me for all the help you have given me in making this website look so wonderful and inviting.
Don’t think I have forgotten you, Howie, Janet, Shirley, Esther, Rebecca and Greg. What can I say about you fine folks, my V.I.P’s, other than I wish I had a million followers like you? You have continuously been there over the years and encouraged me in my darkest hours. Remember that hair-raising event with the buffalo, Janet? My grey hair came in that day.
Lastly, Thank you and welcome to all the newcomers for following me on my other social media platforms and leaving supportive, fantastic, insightful, and encouraging comments. We at Theater Lunaire aim for the moon and always land among the stars.
Thank you again for your continued support!
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Mask Maker,
Douglas Witt
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In the vast landscape of creativity, every artist encounters roadblocks now and then. An artist’s block can be a formidable adversary, whether lacking inspiration, self-doubt, or simply feeling stuck in a rut.
But fear not fellow creatives! This blog post will explore strategies for conquering artist’s blocks and reigniting your creative spark.
Creativity knows no bounds, and neither should you! The humble doodle is one of the most potent tools in your arsenal against artist’s block. Doodling allows your imagination to run wild and your ideas to flow freely, whether on paper or in clay. Embrace curiosity, have fun, and let go of the fear often stifling our creativity. The activities below will help you unleash your creativity and engage with your imagination playfully and spontaneously. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers—just let your creativity flow and enjoy the process!
Drawing Activity: Doodle Explosion
Materials Needed:
Blank sheets of paper
Markers, coloured pencils, or something new you have never worked with before.
Instructions:
1. Set up a comfortable workspace with plenty of blank paper and your choice of drawing tools.
2. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and clear your mind.
3. Start with a single random doodle or squiggle on the paper. This will serve as the starting point for your creation.
4. Without overthinking it, let your imagination take over and start expanding on the initial doodle. Let lines, shapes, and patterns flow freely from your pen or pencil.
5. As you continue to doodle, experiment with different styles, sizes, and textures. Don’t worry about making mistakes—there are no rules in doodling!
6. Let the doodle evolve organically, following wherever your imagination leads. Allow yourself to get lost in the process and enjoy the creative journey.
7. Once you feel satisfied with your doodle, step back and admire your creation. Reflect on the experience and the ideas that emerged during the process.
Clay Activity: Shape Shifter Sculpting
Materials Needed:
Modelling clay (in various colours, if available)
Sculpting tools (optional)
Instructions:
1. Gather your modelling clay and sculpting tools (if you have them) in a designated workspace.
2. Connect with your imagination and set an intention for your sculpting session. What shapes or forms do you want to explore?
3. Begin by molding a small piece of clay into a simple shape—a ball, cylinder, pyramid, cube, or amorphous organic shape. This will serve as the foundation for your sculpture.
4. experiment with different shapes, sizes, and textures as you work. Use your hands or sculpting tools to manipulate the clay and create intriguing forms.
5. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild! Sculpt abstract shapes, intricate patterns, or even miniature sculptures of objects from your imagination.
As you sculpt, pay attention to the sensations and emotions that arise. Allow yourself to get lost in the tactile experience of working with clay.
Once you’ve finished sculpting, take a moment to admire your creation from all angles. Reflect on the shapes and forms you’ve created and the stories they evoke.
6. If desired, photograph your sculpture to capture the moment and share your creation with others.
Pareidolia: The Artist’s Secret Weapon
Have you ever seen a cloud and seen a familiar shape or spotted a face in the patterns of a marble countertop? That’s pareidolia at work—a phenomenon where our brains perceive familiar patterns in random stimuli. Harness the power of pareidolia to uncover hidden inspiration in everyday objects and textures. You’ll be amazed at the creative possibilities that emerge when you open your mind to the unexpected.
Activity: Mask Making with Pareidolia Inspiration
Materials Needed:
Drawing paper or sketchbook
Pencil or pen
Modelling clay
Sculpting tools (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by finding a comfortable and quiet workspace where you can focus on your creativity.
2. Take a few moments to clear your mind and center yourself. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to relax.
3. Open your eyes and look around your environment. Notice any objects, textures, or patterns that catch your eye.
Choose one object or texture that resonates with you and observe it closely. Look for shapes, lines, or details that remind you of facial features or mask elements.
Once you’ve identified potential inspiration, take your drawing paper or sketchbook and begin sketching your ideas. Use the pareidolia-inspired shapes and patterns as a starting point for your mask design.
1. Allow your imagination to take over as you sketch. Experiment with different combinations of shapes, sizes, and textures to create unique and exciting mask concepts.
2. If you’re feeling adventurous, try translating your sketches into a three-dimensional form using modelling clay. Sculpt the basic shape of your mask and then add details based on your pareidolia-inspired design.
3. don’t be afraid to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the unexpected as you work. Allow your intuition to guide you and trust in the creative process.
4. Once you’ve completed your mask design or sculpture, step back and admire your creation. Reflect on the inspiration you found in everyday objects and textures and the unique artistic vision you’ve brought to life.
5. Share your mask design with others or display it in your creative space as a reminder of the power of pareidolia and the endless possibilities for inspiration that surrounds us daily.
Creativity thrives in experimentation. Break free from the constraints of perfectionism and embrace the chaos of artistic exploration. Try new techniques, mix different mediums, and avoid making mistakes. Each mishap is a stepping stone to creative growth, leading you closer to your artistic vision.
Balancing Act: Self-Care and Creativity
In the journey of creativity, finding balance isn’t just about staying upright—it’s about nurturing both your artistic spark and your well-being. When starting, I quickly learned that constantly pushing myself without breaks led to burnout. So, I made a point to step back from my work now and then. Whether taking a stroll in the park or getting lost in a museum, these moments of pause became essential to keeping my creative fire burning.
Taking these breaks wasn’t just about catching my breath but refuelling my inspiration tank. In those quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle, I found new ideas blooming and fresh perspectives emerging. It’s like hitting the reset button on my creativity, allowing me to return to my work with renewed energy and purpose.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to take a break. Whether you go for a walk, indulge in a favourite hobby, or take a moment to breathe, giving yourself time to recharge is key to keeping your creative juices flowing. After all, finding balance isn’t just about staying steady on your feet—it’s about nurturing your passion in a sustainable and fulfilling way. Artist’s block may be formidable, but you can overcome it with the right mindset and tools.
Please share your stories in the comments.
Embrace the joy of creative exploration, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of playfulness as an art practice. Remember, the journey of creativity is as important as the destination, so enjoy the ride and let your imagination soar!
1. Have you conquered artist’s block before? Share your experiences and insights as we embark on a journey to reignite our creativity together!
2. Have you ever tried doodling or clay sculpting to overcome an artist’s block? Share your stories and tips with fellow creatives as we explore these activities to unlock our artistic potential!
3. How has pareidolia inspired your artistic journey? Share your discoveries and creations with us as we delve into the fascinating world of finding inspiration in everyday objects and textures!
Creativity is a journey, and every artist faces challenges. Remember, you’re not alone. These blog posts aim to be supportive and helpful, but sometimes, you must seek additional help and support. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stuck,
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the resources below:
Canada: Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566 (24/7), Text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET), crisisservicescanada.ca
Every artist encounters periods of creative stagnation in the intricate world of mask creation and performance. Whether it’s a lack of inspiration, self-doubt, or feeling stuck, overcoming these blocks is crucial for reigniting passion and engaging imagination.
First, I want to apologize for this very long two-part blog post. Artist’s block is incredibly complex and personal, and I want to give it the depth of breath and attention it deserves.
Mathieu René
I also want to give a personal shout-out and thank you to my dear friend Mathieu Rene, whose support and insight have been invaluable to me.
A while ago, Mathieu wrote a post on this subject that inspired me deeply when I struggled with my artistic journey and identity. Without his friendship, positive outlook, and passion for art, I might have made the biggest life mistake and given up art altogether. His encouragement has been instrumental in the creation of TheaterLunaire.
Please show him some gratitude and visit his Instagram.
If I can return to my art, I genuinely feel anyone can do the same.
The Creative Dreamscape is about reconnecting to your passion for art and self-expression. It’s about stretching yourself, pushing into new areas to grow artistically, and deepening your art. knowledge and practices. It involves exploring the human condition from your unique perspective and engaging with the world around you while at the same time being present in the now. Above all, it’s about creating beautiful expressions of imagination and unlocking your artistic potential.
Embrace this journey, for in every struggle lies the seed of profound creativity waiting to bloom.
In preparation for my next blog post, I invite you to participate in a unique week-long challenge to help you reconnect with your creative self and clear your mental clutter. This challenge concerns self-care, mindfulness, and engaging with the world around you—without the pressure of producing art.
First, permit yourself to let go and start anew. Take time and care with the activities below. Healing and growth take time, so be kind to yourself. You can revisit and do these at your own pace. This journey is about creating space for your creativity to flourish, free from the constraints of deadlines and expectations. Embrace the process, and allow yourself the freedom to explore, reflect, and grow.
“The Creative Dreamscape” 7-day challenge
Day 1 & 2: Quiet Reflection and Journaling
As you embark on your journey of self-exploration and reflection, creating a comfortable space for quiet reflection is essential. This space serves as a sanctuary to disconnect from the outside world’s noise and connect with your inner thoughts and feelings. Setting aside 15 minutes daily for this practice can profoundly affect your well-being and creativity.
To begin, find a quiet corner of your home where you can sit comfortably without interruptions. Set aside distractions like your phone or other electronic devices to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
“If you have children, consider involving them in this practice as a group meditation and journaling exercise. Modelling and normalizing group silence can be a valuable lesson for you and your children.”
Once you’ve found your quiet space, pour yourself a 4-8 ounce glass of water and set it in front of you. I Know! I know this may sound strange, but keep an open mind and trust in the process. This glass of water symbolizes filling up your creativity and the abundance of inspiration always available. Take a moment to acknowledge this symbolism to yourself or out loud, affirming the connection between the water and your creativity. Now, set a timer for 15 minutes and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. As you breathe, imagine tension leaving your body at your toes and working your way up to the top of your head with each exhale, allowing yourself to relax deeper.
Focus on your breath, making each inhale and exhale slower and more rhythmic. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment. Remember, the goal is not to empty your mind but to cultivate a sense of calm and presence.
Once the timer beeps, turn it off and take a moment to come back to reality slowly. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your limbs, and open your eyes. Before returning to your daily activities, take gentle sips of the water in front of you until it’s all gone, allowing its refreshing taste to ground you in the present moment. Reflect on how you felt during this period of quiet reflection and write a journal about your experience by writing, video, or audio recording. Did you notice any sensations or emotions arise? How did disconnecting from the outside world and connecting with your inner self feel?
By prioritizing this time for quiet reflection and journaling, you are nurturing your creative spirit and laying the foundation for deeper self-awareness and personal growth. Embrace this practice as a form of self-care and allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in the present moment.
Day 3: Engaging with the World
As you continue your journey of self-exploration and reflection, it’s time to step into your creative dreamscape and engage with the world around you. All great art is rooted in the human condition and the observation of the world, making it crucial for artists to immerse themselves in their surroundings and draw inspiration from their experiences.
Today, I encourage you to dress up in a way that makes you feel artistic and inspired. This is about self-expression and embracing your unique creative identity. Whether donning a colourful scarf or wearing a piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value, allow yourself to express your artistic persona through your appearance. Once you’ve dressed to reflect your inner artist, venture out into the world. Visit a local gallery to immerse yourself in the work of other artists, take a leisurely nature walk to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world, or explore a new part of town to stimulate your senses and spark your imagination.
As you engage with the world, pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the play of light and shadow, the rhythm of footsteps on the pavement, and the scent of freshly blooming flowers. These moments of observation are the building blocks of creativity, providing endless inspiration for your artistic endeavours.
At the end of your day, set aside 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences and document your thoughts in your preferred journaling format. Write about the moments that stood out to you, the emotions they evoked, and the insights you gained from engaging with the world. This practice will stimulate creativity and deepen your connection to your artistic voice and vision.
Embrace your unique perspective, and don’t be afraid to stretch beyond your preconceived limitations. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and actively engaging with the world, you’ll tap into new sources of inspiration and unlock the full potential of your creative dreamscape.
Day 4: Reflecting on Creative Blocks
Take time to reflect on when you first noticed your creative block in mask creating or performance. What circumstances surrounded it? Spend 15 minutes reflecting on these questions. Then write, record a video, or create an audio journal, no editing, no retakes, just talk about the moments when your creativity feels stifled.
By mindfully exploring these experiences, you can begin to understand the root causes of your blocks and develop strategies to overcome them.
Day 5: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative
Every mask artist has a story. Today, focus on creating your artistic narrative. Whether it’s through a written story, a video diary, or an audio memoir, share your journey as a mask creator. Highlight the highs and lows, the breakthroughs and the blocks. This storytelling exercise will help you process your experiences and remind you of your resilience and passion.
Day 6: Evaluating Your Creative Journey
Sometimes, the most straightforward exercises are the most revealing. Take 15 minutes to list the pros and cons of your journey in mask creation and performance. What aspects of your creative process do you love? What challenges do you face? This straightforward activity will help you clarify what fuels your passion and what hinders it, providing valuable insights for breaking through the artist’s block.
Day 7: Reflecting on the Week
Welcome to the final day of the challenge. Today, let’s bring together your week’s experiences. Gather your reflections from the past week and lay them out before you, whether through writing, a video, or an audio memoir. Think back to Days 1 and 2, where you created a quiet space for reflection. How did sitting in silence and journaling impact your mental state? Reflect on Day 3, when you dressed up and engaged with the world. How did observing and interacting with your surroundings inspire you?
Review Day 4’s insights into your creative blocks. What did you uncover about the circumstances that stifle your creativity? On Day 5, you crafted your artistic narrative. How did sharing your story remind you of your resilience and passion?
Lastly, revisit Day 6’s pros and cons list. What did you learn about what fuels and hinders your creativity? Reflect on these themes and consider how they’ve contributed to your personal growth and creative journey. Personal reflection and action are the best ways to break through artistic blocks.
Remember, your authenticity is your greatest asset as an artist. Embrace it and let it shine. In the next step, choose one thing you found particularly challenging over the week and act on it. Be honest and gentle with yourself as you work on this issue.
Express yourself in a way that isn’t in your chosen media, exploring new avenues of creativity. In closing this part of your journey through the Creative Dreamscape, you’ve navigated moments of stillness, engagement, and introspection. Each day’s challenge offered a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
Remember, healing and growth take time. Be patient and kind to yourself as you continue on this artistic journey. Let the insights gained from this week guide you forward as you embrace your creative authenticity.
“In memory of my beloved grandparents and cherished ones, may you find solace in the celestial embrace. Your enduring love has woven a blanket of warmth around my heart, inspiring this poem.”
Starting out as a mask maker, I vividly remember the mix of excitement and trepidation as I ventured into unfamiliar artistic territory. Looking back at the photos attached to this post, I can’t help but smile at the nostalgia of those early creations—filled with the raw energy and angst of my teenage years in the 1990s and an awkward balancing act on the edge of the uncanny valley. But beyond the surface, there was a deeper journey unfolding.
Those initial masks were more than just experiments; they were the first steps in a transformative process of self-discovery and creative exploration. Drawing and molding clay became my sanctuary, a safe space to play with shapes and forms without the weight of expectation.
As I looked deeper, I found myself drawn to unfamiliar themes and emotions, using each mask as a canvas to explore the depths of human experience. In these moments of vulnerability and curiosity, I began to uncover the true essence of my artistry.
Studying the intricacies of facial anatomy became a fascination, an obsession even. From observing a muscle’s subtle twitch to the furrowed brow’s profound impact, every detail revealed a new layer of storytelling potential. In embracing the unknown, I discovered a boundless well of creativity waiting to be tapped. Each mask became a testament to the journey—triumphs and the stumbles—that shaped me as an artist. As I continue to push the boundaries of my craft, I’m reminded that the greatest discoveries often lie just beyond the edges of our comfort zone.
As a mask maker and educator, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of immersing myself in the process of mask making and truly understanding the foundational materials. It’s become a ritual for me, starting each project by asking myself, “How can I challenge myself with this next mask? What style or complexity am I feeling today?
Exploring the intricacies of expression while crafting traditional mask styles like Commedia dell’arte, character masks, and Basal larval masks has been a journey filled with unique challenges and discoveries. Each mask presents its shapes and complexities, allowing me to push my creative boundaries and explore new depths of my artistry.
I’ve compiled a list of books that served as my guiding lights when I was starting, and to this day, they continue to inspire and inform my work. Tools and supplies like Weldbond, brown paper towels, and oil-based sculpting clay have become my trusted companions, guiding me through countless creations. While modern advancements offer tempting shortcuts, I’ve found solace in sticking to traditional methods that resonate with my artistic soul.
By starting with simplicity, I’ve honed my craft and developed a unique aesthetic, allowing my creativity to flourish through experimentation and play. As for tools and supplies, I feel it’s a topic for future blog posts where I offer deeper explanations about the tools and materials of a mask maker and share insights and experiences that have shaped my artistic journey.
Many aspiring mask makers embark on their journey by replicating masks they admire, drawn to the allure of recreating works that inspire them. While this initial phase of replication can serve as a valuable learning tool, it’s crucial to recognize its limitations and move towards cultivating originality. Navigating the ethical and moral complexities of art-making requires a delicate balancing act, especially when financial considerations come into play.
Creatives need to remain true to their visions and ideas, resisting the temptation to succumb to the pressures of copying or imitating others’ work for profit. This moral philosophy is one that many creatives grapple with as they navigate their artistic journey. True creative expression takes time to develop, and along the way, there are numerous distractions, from social trends to the iconography of current pop culture.
Amidst these challenges, it’s vital to prioritize playful exploration and cultivating your artistic voice.
Originality matters, and denying the world your unique point of view only hinders the richness of the artistic landscape. So, embrace experimentation, trust your instincts, and let your creativity soar. Remember, your journey as an artist is deeply personal, and finding your artistic voice is a process of self-discovery. Embrace the freedom to explore, experiment, and make mistakes.
These experiences are valuable lessons and essential to your growth as an artist. As you navigate the intricacies of creating art, it’s important to stay mindful of the cultural implications of your work. Respect the traditions and histories associated with the masks you create, and strive to honour their significance in your artistic practice. When faced with the temptation to replicate or appropriate the work of others, pause and reflect on your motivations.
Are you seeking inspiration, or are you merely copying for convenience? Remember that true creativity stems from authenticity and originality, so allow yourself the space to develop your unique style and perspective.
Ultimately, the path to becoming a successful mask maker lies in staying true to yourself, honouring the traditions that inspire you, and embracing the journey of artistic discovery with an open heart and mind. So, go forth confidently, knowing that your creative voice can inspire, uplift, and enrich the world around you. In the ever-evolving landscape of mask making, embracing experimentation and pushing boundaries is not just a journey of artistic discovery but a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.
So, fellow mask makers, let’s dare to venture beyond our comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and forge new paths of innovation and expression in our craft. Let’s challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what’s possible, one mask at a time.
Please share your stories in the comments.
1. How do you step out of your comfort zone in your mask-making process? Share any techniques or strategies you’ve found helpful for embracing experimentation and pushing creative boundaries.
2. Reflecting on your artistic journey, what role has studying the anatomy of the face played in enhancing your mask-making skills? How do you incorporate observations of facial expressions and gestures into your designs?
3. When navigating the line between reproduction work and originality in mask making, what principles or guidelines do you follow to ensure your creations remain authentic and true to your artistic vision? How do you balance learning from masters of the past with developing your unique voice as an artist
In the vast expanse of cosmic dance,
Amidst the celestial choir’s song,
Photos & Poem By Douglas Witt
Starting out as a mask maker, I vividly remember the mix of excitement and trepidation as I ventured into unfamiliar artistic territory. Looking back at the photos attached to this post, I can’t help but smile at the nostalgia of those early creations—filled with the raw energy and angst of my teenage years in the 1990s and an awkward balancing act on the edge of the uncanny valley. But beyond the surface, there was a deeper journey unfolding.
