| |
Italy is considered to be a great country for theatre. The traditions of theatre are deeply rooted in Italian folklore. For most children in Italy, a carnival simply creates an air of magic for them.
During a Venetian carnival, locals and tourists alike dress up in traditional costumes that date back to archetypical characters in Italian theatre, the Commedia dell'Arte. These elegant and rather artistic masks are found in many local mask shops all over Venice. Some shop owners will also provide you with a brief demonstration as to how Venetian carnival masks are made. The best part about these delicate masks is that they make great souvenirs and gifts to loved ones. Not only are these masks found within a carnival but you can buy them from any local tourist shop within Italy.
Mask making classes have started all over the world, including in countries like India known for its fabled Ramayana and Mahabharata stories. The masks that you learn in these classes are worth keeping and you can even use them as a decorative piece around your home. However they are susceptible to wear and tear and are prone to getting damaged. Venetian masks are duplicated in all parts of the world and the Venetians in fact take it as a form of flattery for their craft to be so widely used. There are workshops which are conducted by local shops in Italy for those interested in the art of mask making.
|
 |
|
Making a masquerade mask is slightly tricky, however it is not impossible. Usually the first class deals with how to make a plaster mould of a face. For this you need to plan an asymmetrical mask. Also leaving large cut-outs for the eyes allows you to see clearly as well. In the next class you learn to shape the clay face from your mould and sculpt it. A full day may be required for this part. Glazing techniques are taught after that. There are a lot of fine details that you need to watch out for, like getting your mask to look beautiful and getting various ornaments to make the mask stand out.
Venetian masquerade masks can be handcrafted out of leather, paper mache and even neoprene. Venetian masquerade masks are those which are held up to the face so that no one can recognize the person behind the mask. Ceramic masks are also available making them great items for decoration. By making a Venetian masquerade mask lighter and more flexible, it minimizes the wearing out of the masks and also makes them last longer, not to forget the comfort level which comes with it. Masquerade parties are well known in America as costume parties.
Possessing authentic Venetian masks not only for yourself but giving them away as gifts makes you truly feel that you possess a unique and an unusual piece of decoration. When you own one of these original beauties which come all the way from Italy or Venice you know what you have in your hand is something truly priceless.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
