Un-Masked... unveiling a collage for The Mask Project

Just beginning work on the mask… to almost finished.

Final mask for Denver Hospice’s The Mask Project, “Foundling,” 8.75 x 6.75 x 1.5″, collage by Janice McDonald.

Last fall I was invited to create artwork to contribute to The Mask Project, an auction to benefit Denver Hospice. Once I agreed, I received my “canvas,” -- a cold-looking, almost life-sized, white plaster mask.

The raw mask sat in the studio looking blankly at me for quite awhile before I had time to begin working on it. I’d wondered how well papers would adhere on the curved surfaces but my wet working process allowed them to flow with and adapt to the shape, attaching well. Granted, I was working with fairly thin papers and small pieces and I’m sure that helped. It was fun to work on a different kind of support and to respond to the facial features in my own whimsical way.

The mask, “Foundling,” will be on display as part of an exhibit in the Kaiser Permanente Grand Court of Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, Colorado from September 12 through October 25, 2016. A number of masks from celebrities and artists are available for viewing and auction. Online bidding on the masks begins September 12 — view (or perhaps bid on!) mine here. Bidding ends October 9.

My mask comes with an added premium item: a $150 Gift Certificate for Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, an amazing restaurant / bar / performance venue. Thanks, Ophelia's!

Need one, want one? Get one!

I've been evaluating ways to offer some of my small collages for sale online and have decided to begin simply… featuring them here on the blog with background information and a PayPal purchase option.I am one of those people who can see faces in most everything: clouds, the woodgrain of doors, plumbing fixtures, you name it! So when I come across a piece of paper that reminds me of an eye, or has the shape of a head… I throw it in a pile on my desk.Eventually, I work with the ripped paper elements to create characters, a series I've titled Foundlings. Recently I've made some whimsical creatures, which I've called Poundlings — since they seriously need to be adopted by just the right person. Look carefully and you'll see that the nose of this guy is made from an upside-down photo of the back of a high-heeled shoe. (I can't help myself!)

Anyway, if you would like to add this collage to your art collection, just click the button below. If you should have any problems or require overseas or expedited shipping, please get in touch.

This collaged creature is composed with fragments of contemporary, re-purposed papers on a 7" x 5" x 1/8" hardboard panel. The background is tinted with acrylic paint. Edges are painted and/or covered by paper so the piece can be left unframed if desired. The collage is coated with a UV-resistant varnish.

$125.00