Every February for hundreds of years Venice has been famous for it's Carnevale. Ending at the Christian celebration of Lent, 40 days before Easter, it's characterised by the entire population and visitors from all over the world frolicking around the city dressed in elaborate costumes - and masks.
Wandering around the back streets of the city you come across many mask shops - from the cheaper tourist souvenir versions to the specialists, still handmaking in papier mache, and hand painting these wonders. Go through to the back rooms of these shops and you can see the artists at work - no pictures allowed though, as they are very protective of their masterpieces, but more than happy to show you. The most elaborate ones are kept there, out of the daylight, ready to hire out just as we hire out hats for weddings. Below is a photo from a shop window (so excuse the reflection) - a fabulous gold creation; and can you see the lace earrings, another speciality?
I've had these black ceramic masks for years so now was my opportunity to use them. I wanted to try and achieve a more elaborate look in a traditional mask shape so I attached them with vintage bronze wire to a pair of Helen Backhouse's polymer clay leaves in a bronzed brown. The tiny black glass duos at the bottom are some of my mother's old vintage beads. Very appropriate, as my mum always wanted to visit Venice and never did; after she died in 2011 my sister and I hopped up the Rialto Bridge at midnight one hot August night and threw some of her ashes into the Grand Canal. Completing the circle of life. Death needn't be the end of your story.
Our visit this time was short - only 4 days - but I will go back again. So it's Ciao for now, Venice!
See you all next time
Lindsay xx
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