What happens when two faces become one? In this Art Spark, students create a simple ceramic mask by mashing up two ideas, two animals, two emotions, or a human and an animal. The result is a playful mask that explores identity, contrast, and imagination without overthinking it.
Think: half fierce / half friendly, half real / half mythical, half you / half creature.
Each mask should clearly show two ideas combined into one face. Encourage bold differences rather than subtle changes using different shapes, expressions, or textures. Masks may be wall-hung, displayed on shelves, or worn briefly for photos (after firing).
Great For
- Ceramics classrooms exploring identity or symbolism
- Art camps and workshops
- Intro to mask-making, slab construction, and drape molding
- Projects that encourage creativity without complex building
Clay Technique
- Slab construction
- Press or Drape molding over a simple form (foam head, bowl, or hand-built hump)
- Additive details (eyes, brows, noses)
- Carving simple lines and texture
Simple Directions
- Roll a slab to about ¼” thickness.
- Drape the slab over a simple form to create a shallow mask shape.
- Divide the mask visually in half (top/bottom or left/right or diagonal).
- Design each side as a different face (animal/animal, human/animal, emotion/emotion).
- Add basic features using small coils or slabs, keep it simple.
- Cut eye holes and smooth edges.
- Bisque fire
- Glaze
- Glaze fire
Mayco Glaze Suggestions
- Stroke & Coat – Bold, saturated colors that clearly separate the two sides
- Foundations – Smooth base colors for clean facial areas
- Designer Liner – Perfect for outlining eyes, mouths, and details
- Jungle Gems Crystal Glazes- Fun for animals or anywhere that magic sparkle is needed
Why? These glazes allow strong color contrast so each “side” of the mash-up gets the attention it deserves.
Variations & Extensions
- Emotion Mash-Up: Calm / Chaos, Joy / Fear, Sleepy / Wild
- Creature Combo: Bird / Fish, Cat / Frog, Owl / Human
- Color Split: Warm colors on one side, cool on the other
- Reflection Add-On: Write one sentence explaining the two sides of the mask
