Altered State
A set of fantastic Khōn dance masks recently came through my studio.
altered masks
I was asked to alter the masks so they could be used in the new stage musical Waterfall which is based on the Thai novel Behind the Painting by Sriburapha.
The masks, from Bangkok, Thailand, were quite small and had to be enlarged to fit bigger heads. Vision was also difficult in the originals so I lowered the sight lines to the mouths and added mesh to improve vision. It was quite inspiring to explore these masks up close and learn about how they were created. The four originals I received were likely created for rituals and placement on altars – probably never meant to be worn. Nowadays these masks are manufactured and sold to tourists but I’ll admit that I felt the pang of guilt , Western guilt, as I altered these traditional objects from another culture.
original masks
alteration plan
“The altar is set for the Krob Phra Pirarp rite by H.M. the King” photo from the book – Khōn Mask: Thailand’s Heritage
Aidos
Photo: Julieta Cervantes
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Aidos, a new piece by Douglas Dunn + Dancers, recently had it’s world premiere at BAM Fischer. For the show I designed costumes and objects. Below are some sketches, pieces, and parts from the process.
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Lupine and Canine
In the studio sculpting wolves and hounds for “Wolf-in-Skins.” _ photo: AndyToad
Progress
Photographs from the studio.
Glamour Masque
Hood Maquette
Sumptuary Millenary
Nowhere, soon.
Costume fitting with Jordan Morley for the Nowhere Project
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Inspiration to travel: http://www.geobeats.com//videoclips/embed/132
amazing
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Bears in the Studio
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Working away on a set of paper bear heads for choreographer Cori Olinghouse. They will debut in a new dance piece this coming spring. I’m having fun working with Cori, collaborating with her on her experiments in vaudeville and shapeshifting. I’ve always had a thing for human animal transformations.
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I love this still from a video of Cori creating movement. One of the costume we’ve created (pictured) is a deconstructed backless button down shirt, a boater hat, and some early 1900’s-ish baggy trousers. Various other clothing bits come on an off, in and out – and there is also an opera glove and cane in the mix as well. More as it develops.
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Whoa… grizzly bears… dancing…
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AndyToad 
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