The Direction of Art

2008-01-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

THE SYCOPHANTS
Two more masks for Caucasian Chalk Circle, see below for details.

2008-01-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

Natella mask

Another of four masks created for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, Syracuse University 2006, dir. Gerardine Clark. See also this mask in performance!

2008-01-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

GEORGI mask

Another of the four masks created for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, Syracuse University 2006, dir. Gerardine Clark. Character: Georgi.

2008-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

FAT PRINCE MASK

This is one of four masks created for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, Syracuse University 2006, dir. Gerardine Clark. Character: The Fat Prince.

2006-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
mask series

Created: late 2000

These are part of a 13-mask series for a Syracuse University mainstage production of Much Ado About Nothing. Inspired by both the Italian Commedia tradition and Cajun Mardi Gras homeade creations. these masks were used in the masquerade ball scene. The brown paper one was for Beatrice; the blue-faced, white-haired number was for Margaret; I don't quite recall who wore the others.

2006-11-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

GOLDILOCKS mask

Materials: papier mache, oils, synthetic hair

Created: late 2003

Goldilocks was intended as a Christmas present for my mother, but I liked her so much I selfishly kept her. Her last big appearance was at Halloween in the West Village.

2006-11-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

WITCH MASK

materials: papier mache, acrylic paint, polyblend sheer fabric

created: May 2004

This mask, inspired by the Weird Sisters of Macbeth, was a 1st anniversary present for my husband. (That's the paper anniversary. Aren't I f&*(ing clever?)

2006-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Princess Mask

materials: papier mache, acrylic paint, plastic beads, bubble wrap, polyblend knit

created: circa 1998

This is an early example of experiments in mixed media to create a more elaborate effect. The Princess works best in performance when accompanied by a large flowing costume, e.g. a bedsheet. (She likes to pretend it's a gown. She's funny that way.)

2006-09-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

BANDITOS!

2005-12-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

PRODUCTION DESISGN FOR "IF YOU COULD SAY IT IN WORDS"

One of my current means of employment is as Art Director of the feature film If You Could Say It In Words (in production). This is the character Sadie's room, rendered in oil pastel.

2005-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

MORE MASKS by Katharine Clark Gray
MATERNAL SKULL (full mask) Materials: Papier mache, varnish, glue.
This mask was the first in a series of Australopitheceine skulls, and I of course expected its behavior to be inarticulate and brutish, possibly violent. But amazingly, when worn this mask is very tender, with a strong maternal instinct. Who knew?

2005-12-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

MORE MASKS
MADRAS MASK (front view)
materials: fabric, cardboard, paste
Based on Chinese New Year dragon masks, this big guy was an experiment in how to perform with the lowest visibility possible.
Sadly, photographs are all that remain of this item-- he was destroyed in a move.

2005-12-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

MASKS by Katharine Clark Gray

The following is a brief smattering of my work as a theatrical maskmaker. You are welcome to ask me more about these....

1. CLEOPATRA (half mask)
Materials: Papier mache, acrylic, fabric, wire, tea

Cleopatra was my very first mask, designed for the Shakespearean rendition of the character. She began a long series of character masks, whose purpose is to aid the actor in accessing a wider and deeper range of expression in performance. She is still one of my favorites.