Category: General

“There Are No Fakes,” a documentary exposing how greed corrupted the legacy of renowned Indigenous artist Copper Thunderbird, (Norval Morrisseau)

Posted on by Douglas Witt
https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/norval-morrisseau/key-works/androgyny/

I’m current writing a blog post on

“Understanding Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation in Mask Making.”

For two months now, this topic has occupied my mind, challenging me to capture its essence and honour its importance. Its a subject that has followed me the spanned of my career as a mask creator and is ever present in each mask I make. Addressing this relevant and meaningful subject while managing my dyslexia has been difficult and frustrating to say the least. I’m taking time and a step back to help alleviate the pressure I have put on myself to get this post up. To ensure the article is truthful, insightful, and impactful for you, my creative companions. While I work on the article, I recommend watching the  documentary attached at the end of this article, exposing how greed corrupted the legacy of renowned Indigenous artist Copper Thunderbird, also known as Norval Morrisseau.

 

Click the Picture Norval_Morrisseau

Morrisseau remains close to my heart. I met him a handful of times in the early medieval ’90s as a young man. I remember an elderly figure, ancient to my young eyes, struggling with health issues affecting his painting. His inviting nature, generous teaching, and encouragement of my artistic interests left a lasting impression. His  charisma and passion for art still resonate with me three decades later. Morrisseau helped me connect with my art and identity as an artist, revealing new perspectives on creativity and how to draw inspiration from the world me. He showed me art’s universal presence and its power to connect us all.

I encourage you to watch “There Are No Fakes” and consider its implications. It highlights the art world’s complexities and the crucial need to protect artistic integrity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGB0bwrNaJU

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Indigenous Resilience Day on July 1st

Posted on by Douglas Witt

As we gather on this day, known as “Canada Day”

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.

www.NFCM.org

 

 

How to Write an Artist Biography

Posted on by Douglas Witt

Why Your Artist Bio Matters as a Mask Maker

When I first started out as a professional artist, presenting myself initially felt narcissistic. However, I’ve come to understand that advocating for myself is crucial for others to grasp my artistic journey. An artist bio serves beyond self-promotion; it encapsulates skills, passion, and journey, offering a first impression and an icebreaker for potential clients and collaborators. Your bio provides a unique opportunity to articulate your work clearly, especially with masks, which bridge the gap between theatrical tools and fine arts objects. Masks are kinetic sculptures that come to life on the stage.

Through my career challenges—from crafting narratives to marketing my creations—writing a bio has refined what I want to convey. Being dyslexic, writing has always been a torturous task. I often found myself scrambling to assemble bios for interviews, exhibitions, or proposals at the last minute. Because I found it too stressful, I often put off writing one until I absolutely needed it, which is never a good strategy.

This underscores the need for me to make the time and take my time to write an updated, well-crafted bio. It’s not just for unexpected opportunities; it is also an effective tool for self-reflection, clarifying your artistic vision and impact. A strong bio is concise, authentic, and dynamic, ideally in the third person for a polished tone. It should evolve with your artistic journey, staying relevant and engaging. In short, if I can write an artist bio, anyone can. You just need to make time, practice, and be kind to yourself.

Regularly updating your Artist Bio keeps your narrative sharp

Tailoring your bio to current projects and growth to enhance impact. It’s about connecting with your audience, It aligns expectations and can help build relationships based on mutual respect. To ease the anxiety about artist bio writing, try creative approaches like audio journaling or an outsider’s perspective. Draw inspiration from others’ bios and seek feedback for insights.

 

How to Write an Artist Bio for Mask Makers

Crafting a concise and compelling summary of your career as a mask maker is essential whether you work in theatre, film, or fashion. Your artist bio serves as a vital introduction to your creative journey, pivotal for grant applications, theatre programs, and your professional website. As a professional in the creative field, writing a bio may feel daunting, as you seek the best way to highlight your passion and expertise. Before getting into crafting a bio as intricate as your finest mask, understanding and adhering to industry standards is crucial. Consider your artist bio as your elevator pitch—a succinct narrative that captures your artistic essence in just a few lines, suitable for quick absorption at conferences or in magazine contributor sections.

Key Elements of a Strong Artist Bio:

  • Begin with your name in the opening sentence.
  • Write in the third person perspective for a professional tone.
  • Highlight career highlights such as awards, publications, and degrees without excessive embellishment.
  • Include relevant facts about your career, such as affiliations or notable projects.
  • Provide a link to your professional website for further exploration.

It’s essential to distinguish an artist bio from an artist statement, which delves deeper into personal motivations and inspirations in the first person.

Examples of Artist Bios

Here are three tailored artist bio examples that demonstrate effective storytelling for mask makers:

1. Douglas Witt “Douglas Witt, a passionate mask maker specializing in theatrical masks, integrates meticulous craftsmanship with expressive designs honed through his background in prop making at Stratford Theatre. Doug’s work has graced stages at prestigious theatres like Stratford and  the Princess of Wales Theatre, his is best known for his commitment to enhancing theatrical narratives.”

2. Sarah Chen “Sarah Chen, an innovative mask maker renowned for merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, elevates her designs on international fashion runways and film sets. Her masks are celebrated for intricate detailing that transforms visual storytelling.”

3. James Rodriguez “James Rodriguez, a versatile mask maker spanning theater, film, and art installations, pioneers avant-garde and historically inspired designs. His masks are commissioned by major theatre companies and exhibited globally, reflecting his exploration of new techniques and collaborations.”

By following these principles and examples, you’ll confidently craft an artist bio that not only showcases your artistic journey but also invites new opportunities.

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Thrive and Stay Alive: June’s Creative Odyssey

Posted on by Douglas

Hey there, fellow mask maker! Welcome to June, when we’re on a journey to explore the heart of our craft and uncover the true essence of our worth in this vibrant world of creativity.

Before we get into the details, I want to highlight that this month will focus greatly on the intricate aspects of running the business side of being a mask maker. These are topics frequently inquired about by fellow Mask Creators looking to expand and turn their passion for crafting masks into a full-time pursuit.

However, it’s not just about the intricacies of pricing strategies and negotiation tactics. Equally important is confidence—in yourself and your craft. Let’s be honest: the most challenging part of recognizing your value as an artist is feeling deserving of financial compensation for your work, which sustains and enables you to flourish. These are skill not taught in art school or at least it wasn’t taught with i was student. I will share what I have learned in the last 30 years as a mask creator and teacher who can help you.

The first step on this journey is acknowledging that someone wants to collaborate with you because they cherish your work and envision creating something exceptional together. I’ll admit, for many years, I accepted every job opportunity I could, often neglecting my basic needs to sustain life and my studio. These are challenging lessons to learn, particularly when starting. Accepting some harsh truths and navigating the realities of selecting who you collaborate with are essential steps in this journey.

Still, every job offer brings its own set of challenges. I struggle with the decision to ask for what I’m worth. But it’s important to recognize that saying NO to a project that won’t help maintain your equilibrium or cover your basic needs is crucial. This is where a mantra I often use comes into play:

“I don’t owe anyone affordability; If their budget can’t accommodate me, that’s their issue, not a reflection of me overvaluing my designs, time, and years of experience.” 

While it’s flattering to be sought after for your work, it’s not worth sacrificing your health, studio, or livelihood. This is where self-awareness comes into play, and you must decide whether to walk away from a project or adjust the client’s needs to fit within their budget. Also, you always want to make sure you have time for yourself and for other contracts.

Before starting with concept designing and sculpting, it’s crucial to ask the client about their mask needs and whether you can achieve their vision within the timeframe, budget, and quality they require. The best way to open this dialogue with your client is to ask them to pick two options from the “Rule of Three” diagram. This approach helps you and the client focus on what you can realistically achieve while ensuring you are paid a reasonable wage for your time and effort.

Later this month, I will publish a checklist and questionnaire for you as a mask maker to ask your clients who want to commission a mask or masks from you. Additionally, I will post a checklist for clients who wish to commission a mask or masks from an artist. These resources will outline the dos and don’ts, encourage open communication with your client, help you visualize their ideas, and effectively accommodate their needs.

Throughout June, we’ll explore various topics to support your journey:

1. Knowing Your Value: Embracing the Worth of Your Art

2. Pricing a Theatre Mask: Comprehensive Starter’s Guide 

3. Part 1: Client Questionnaire for Mask Makers

4. Part 2: Commissioning Masks: A Client Checklist

5. An Art Challenge

6. Preserve Your Art: Archiving and Documenting Your Creations

The ultimate goal is to encourage you to think deeply about the details, giving you a broader perspective on your mask-making goals and helping you reach your potential.

Click here to see what the Rule of Three is.

So, let’s embrace this month’s theme and discover the true value of our artistry together!

 

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End of the First Month

Posted on by Douglas
The FANTABULOUS Coloring Book of Masks Illustrated By Douglas Witt
(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 his Instagram and 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

 

If you haven’t already, please click the green follow button below to stay updated on new blog posts. Thank you for reading!