Lets pause to acknowledge and reflect upon the land on which we stand. We are on the unceded territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) people, who have been stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial. This place, known as Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), is part of the vast land mass known to many Indigenous peoples as Turtle Island. We recognize that Turtle Island, now called North America, has been home to diverse Indigenous nations long before the creation of colonial borders. The land we now call Quebec and Canada is built upon thousands of years of Indigenous history, culture, and traditions. On this day, we acknowledge the complex and often painful significance July 1st holds for many Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
Dene Youth Drummers, NT
Establishment and expansion of the Canadian state came at a tremendous cost to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, through land dispossession, forced relocation, and cultural genocide.
Douglas Witt
As a Métis artist with Mohawk ancestry, I carry a personal connection to this history and a responsibility to honour it. However, this acknowledgement extends beyond personal heritage to recognize all Indigenous peoples who continue to live with the ongoing impacts of colonization. We call on all people residing on Turtle Island to reflect deeply on the true history of this land. We encourage learning about the rich cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, as well as the difficult truths of how Canada has treated and continues to treat Indigenous nations. This acknowledgement is not just a statement, but a call to action. We must all play a part in the ongoing work of reconciliation, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and building a future based on mutual respect and understanding.
MÉTIS SASH
As we reflect on the meaning of Canada today, let us commit to creating a society that truly honors the original peoples of Turtle Island, their histories, and their futures. Let us work towards a Canada that lives up to its promises of justice, equality, and respect for all who call this land home.
Have you ever stopped to think about why you create art, specifically masks?
For me masks have a transformative secret to them. Give someone a mask, and on stage, they can tell no lies. It’s a rare thing in this world, almost mystical in its power. Masks bring out the best in people, teaching us so much about ourselves. For those of us who create masks, they guide us on an introspective journey that is as deep as the ocean and as infinite as space.
In School Mask Creating Workshop, NT“Monk” on Nice Ice Island, Somewhere at -50 degrees on Great Slave Lake, NT
I’ve been making masks for 30 years and am still discovering their power as theatrical tools. Masks have helped me grow as a person, connecting me to cultures around the world and their mask-creators, their traditions, to history, and science. They have given me the legs to stand in front of hundreds of people to express my deepest inner truths and vulnerabilities. Masks allow me to communicate without words, and my passion for mask creation and teaching fills my life with joy.
Masks have given me so much, dear readers and fellow creatives. They have given me the strength to stand in front of hundreds of people and tell stories. They have been my closest friend in my darkest times, unlocking many doors to creative opportunities to collaborate with other artists around the world, to work in the movie industry, and with some of the best theatre companies in the world.
“Mask In Motion ” in school Larval Mask Workshop, NT
Most of all, masks have given me confidence in myself and the ability to express my unique point of view of the world. Of course, there have been times when people’s criticism and feedback have caught me off guard. Early in my mask-making journey, some people had visceral reactions to my work, which sometimes included rude comments and, occasionally, even the destruction of my creations. I have come to appreciate all feedback, both good and bad. Even unwelcome criticism doesn’t bother me. When people react to my work, it tells me volumes about who they are. I’ve learned that people can only meet art in my case my masks as profoundly as they’ve met themselves.
Elder “Be’sha Blondin” Playing her Bear Skin Drum Yellowknife, NT
Creating art is a journey of connecting with yourself and others around you. Some get it, and some don’t. Those who don’t just need to look deeper inward, and the world will open up to them as it has to me.
Over the years, I’ve had the rare privilege of seeing the profound impact masks can have on healing, nurturing and fostering creativity. One of the most significant experiences was working in the Northern bush communities and in the Arctic with kids in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. My workshops brought kids back into classrooms, helping people to heal troubled and weary hearts in communities that have been rebuilding themselves after surviving intergenerational trauma from the fallout of the residential schools that harmed so many of my fellow brothers and sisters.
Emotional Awareness Mask Creating In School Workshop. NT
Working with Indigenous people all over Turtle Island (Canada) has shown me the resilience of the human spirit. These people have helped me grow into a better person along my healing journey. In Calgary, I worked with unhoused people, helping them reclaim their voices and identities and reminding people that everyone has stories to share and gifts to bring to the world.
Reggie Grey-Star, Invisible Project, Calgary AB
Masks have grounded me, seeing me through struggles with deep depression, dyslexia, weight issues, and all the hardships that come with life. Masks have sustained me, housed and been a constant source of inspiration. My passion for masks gives me the strength and courage to engage with the world.
Mask Creating Workshop Yellowknife, NT
If you’re struggling to see the value in work, I say this: Look at your work and yourself in a mirror. Say everything you want to hear about your work from your harshest critic. Smile, laugh, and always be kind to yourself. Life is too short to worry about what others think of your work. After all, they are just meeting art as deeply as they have met themselves. Maybe your work has helped them on their journey to meeting themselves.
Invisible Project Rehearsal, Foothill Shelter Calgary, AB
Your art as a mask maker has value and a place in this world. It’s not always easy to put your work out there for all to see and critique, but remember why you make art. Trust in your work and love what you create. Those who cherish your masks will find you. Art will make you strong on the inside, and those who understand your work will resonate with it.
Keep creating, believing, and sharing your unique gifts with the world. Your masks can transform, heal, and connect us all.
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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.
Do you remember the thrill of crafting masks as a child, lost in a world of imagination and wonder?
Or the exhilaration of donning masks on Halloween night, transforming into characters of myth and magic? Masks evoke nostalgia, stirring memories of simpler times when creativity knew no bounds and possibilities were endless.
As we journey back to those carefree days, let’s rediscover the enchantment of mask-making and explore the profound depths of artistic expression, communication, and healing that lie within.
Artistic expression and personal exploration, masks offer a nostalgic return to the boundless creativity of childhood, from the joyous chaos of Creative Outlet Masks, where crayons and cardboard reign supreme, to the introspective moments of Expression Masks, where feelings find a voice in papier-mâché and paint; mask-making becomes a voyage of self-discovery and imaginative exploration reminiscent of simpler times.
But masks are more than just childhood relics. They are powerful tools for communication and representation. Imagine the thrill of wearing a Mask on a makeshift stage, channelling the bravado of heroes and villains, or the storytelling magic of Mask, spinning tales of adventure and intrigue. In the realm of activism, Protest or Activist Masks become symbols of youthful rebellion, echoing the boldness and determination of our younger selves.
Yet, the allure of masks extends beyond mere nostalgia; it is rooted in their profound benefits for therapeutic and emotional well-being. For many, mask-making becomes a form of self-care therapy, offering solace and sanctuary in the chaos of adulthood. In therapeutic settings, Therapeutic Masks become vessels for exploring inner conflicts, while Therapeutic Performance Masks provide platforms for confronting fears and reclaiming lost innocence.
As we reflect on the nostalgic allure of masks, let’s celebrate their timeless ability to inspire, communicate, and heal. Whether as relics of childhood wonder, tools for creative expression, or instruments of emotional liberation, masks invite us to rediscover the magic within and embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and healing that transcends time and space.
So, let us embrace the transformative power of masks and rediscover the joy of imagination, creativity, and wonder together, just as we did in our youth.
Please share your stories in the comments.
1. What cherished memories or experiences from your childhood do you associate with masks, and how have they influenced your perception of mask-making as an adult?
2. In what ways do you believe masks tap into our innate sense of creativity and imagination, and how does this influence your approach to mask-making?
3. Have you ever experienced a profound emotional or therapeutic breakthrough while creating or wearing a mask? If so, what role did it play in your journey of self-discovery and healing?
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