The koi and the masks are cute--your work is always lovely--but I imagine it's a bit of a come down after the last few masks you made--especially that last one (wow. Seriously. Wow).
I'm not sure I have any clever suggestions to inspire you--your work lately has been so far and above anything I've imagined at least.
But maybe do a mask based on the wave pattern you used for the dragon plaque and for the keychains? Maybe an asymetrical one--so both traditional and modern?
Maybe, if you want to do something not Japanese, you can do something from Russian or European folklore? A selkie, perhaps? Or a Phoenix? Or maybe go to India and base them on one of the deities or spirits there. Ganesh, perhaps, as long as it is done respectfully.
Or other natural motifs... a leaf mask, not one like your half masks adorned by a couple of leaves, but where the leaf WAS the mask. or maybe another flower mask? Your sakura mask is very pretty. Petunias would make a pretty mask. Or Irises, or even a calla lily. Or a lily pad with a flower would be cool (heh, leaf AND flower, heh).
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Date: 2009-01-09 02:37 am (UTC)I'm not sure I have any clever suggestions to inspire you--your work lately has been so far and above anything I've imagined at least.
But maybe do a mask based on the wave pattern you used for the dragon plaque and for the keychains? Maybe an asymetrical one--so both traditional and modern?
Maybe, if you want to do something not Japanese, you can do something from Russian or European folklore? A selkie, perhaps? Or a Phoenix? Or maybe go to India and base them on one of the deities or spirits there. Ganesh, perhaps, as long as it is done respectfully.
Or other natural motifs... a leaf mask, not one like your half masks adorned by a couple of leaves, but where the leaf WAS the mask. or maybe another flower mask? Your sakura mask is very pretty. Petunias would make a pretty mask. Or Irises, or even a calla lily. Or a lily pad with a flower would be cool (heh, leaf AND flower, heh).