I made this sculpture for my portfolio. My aim was to create a mask that could both be worn and be seen as a singular art piece.

My inspiration for this piece came from the legend of the Oni. In Japanese folklore, the Oni is a troll that represents the evils of humanity: hatred, anger, greed, contempt, and resentment. However, in modern times, the Oni mask has taken on a slightly different meaning. The mask is intended to protect its user from evil by providing that person with strength and power.

The Oni mask I created pays homage to the common red-faced Japanese demon, which is specifically designed to ward off bad luck and harm. I wanted to use some traditional elements to make the mask more authentic to Japanese culture.

To begin, I did a lot of research into the kinds of mask that are traditionally worn during Japanese festivals. Most masks have long tusks or teeth protruding from the mouth and horns protruding from the forehead. Because I was doing a half-mask, I paid special attention to the design of the teeth.

Once my concept design was complete, I pulled out some clay. I started with a spherical shape to mimic the general shape of a human face. Next, I cut out different pieces from the slab and sculpted the general shapes I wanted. After the base layer dried a little, I began to carve out various facial features. Next I added the teeth and gums, followed by the decorative swirls and cheekbones. I finished off by applying several underglazes, and then a clear glaze over top.

We all wear masks, every day. We exude different personas at work, at play, and at home. In Japanese culture, they recognize this truth. In fact, masks are often specifically designed to hide people’s true emotions. This Oni mask is a symbol of the masks we all wear on a daily basis.