This first series really solidified my style as an artist. I traditionally worked in ceramic clay beforehand and found myself unable to get easy access to a kiln. Also at the time I had no storage in my place of living for wet and heavy clay. It was at that time I discovered papier-mâché clay. I finally had a substance that I could create at home; but also mold, air-dry, sand, and even carve into.

The inspiration for the plaques came from the very idea of masks themselves. I've always been frustrated when going to a museum and seeing masks on a wall but not really having any connection as to what they could represent. So I carved masks and faces first and waited patiently for their purpose to call to me. After initial sculpting on top of a core, all of the sculptures were hollowed, reassembled and painted with wood stain and/or acrylic. The adornments were all hand beaded.