Masks as Wearable Art
A covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or to amuse or terrify other people.
Threadstories is an Irish visual artist known for creating wearable art. Using crocheted balaclavas as a base, the artist employs various techniques to craft textile masks that obscure and transform the wearer. These masks are then photographed or filmed and shared on Instagram. The documentation highlights themes of privacy and manipulated imagery in the social media era.
“I get more satisfaction from being experimental rather than precious.” -Threadstories
@threadstories current work began in 2015 when she made a festival mask. She discovered a new technique by creating a crocheted balaclava and using it as a base to sculpt with yarns. This method revealed endless potential, sparking their ongoing compulsion to explore it further.
Say
Describe an instance in your life where a solution to a specific problem became a seed to the development of future projects?
These masks evoke different emotions. Describe the way each mask makes you feel.
Which makes you the most uncomfortable? Why do you think that is?
Do
A large part of Threadstories is photographing and creating video of the masks in motion. Watch to see how the masks transform with movement.
Each fiber-based creation serves as a visual representation of how people obscure their lives, both intentionally and not, for public consumption. “The masks are sometimes monstrous, other times farcical façades that poke at the performative nature social media cultivates and celebrates,” she writes. (thisiscolossal)
Sometimes when I notice I am trying too hard to make myself ‘presentable’ during my morning transformation, I stop to make my face look as ugly and disgusting as possible. It takes me down a notch (or two!) and when I stop pulling faces I am ready to move on. “It is what it is, let’s go!”
Don’t take yourself too seriously! Stand in front of your mirror and contort your face. Make it as ugly as you can. Tuck your chin, pinch and eye, twist your neck awkwardly, poke out your tongue. Can you laugh at yourself, or is it too uncomfortable to see?
Check out some perfectly ugly faces here!
About Threadstories
After much research, I was able to learn that this artist goes by the name Threadstories, but I could not find any other names for her. She is an Irish artist working in Dublin. Read below from an interview about how she works.
My current way of working began in 2015 when making a mask to wear to a festival. I stumbled on the combination of techniques while trying to figure out how to make the idea I had in mind. First I made a balaclava which I had never done before, that balaclava then acted as a ground or a surface on which I began to build form and sculpt by adding yarns. This method of building a malleable form struck me as having endless potential and there began the compulsion.
I graduated from a degree in Fine Art Sculpture in 2004, then slowly slipped into a state of paralysis through analysis for an unbelievable 10 years. I really had nothing to lose when I started making the masks, honestly, I had already mourned the loss of being an artist. With hindsight, I see that the emphasis placed on idea over object within a Fine Art degree was in conflict with a stronger educational influence in my life, my childhood. I grew up surrounded by gifted makers, I realised that I was better suited to working with materials and felt more comfortable working ideas out in the making. It took me a long time to convince myself that this too is a valid way to make art, I started to suit myself in the studio.
The fact that I eventually began to make masks is not surprising, throughout my studies I was drawn to artists that used their body as site. I did make wearables during my degree although never with textiles or any craft discipline, unlike now. Dance music and how that influenced my social life must be considered too. I’ve always been more comfortable at parties and festivals rather than pubs and clubs, DIY costumes and masks went hand in hand with that.
(iverna)
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LOVE THIS.