Course Overview

During this masterclass, you will create a totally unique, bespoke and more ambitious animal mask than is possible in the advanced workshop An introduction to animal masks - the basics (level 1). 

A wide variety of animals may be created in this masterclass, with a corresponding wide range of techniques, including textural and sculptural effects, the application of fur and hair, fins, horns and more. The aim is to be as detailed and realistic as possible in the given me frame. 

A certain level of independent work and initiative will be expected from you, yet you will be supported and guided through the entire process; from designing the underlying bone structure into the complex resist that will form the basis of your animal, through building up colour and “muscle tissue” through the application of wool layers, and surface applications such as plumage, hair, wrinkles or other textures, right to the complexity and challenges of sculpting in general (and sculpting with wool in particular). 

Through 1-to-1 consultations, you will be encouraged and guided to find your own technical solutions to challenges, so that you can connue making masks independently aer the masterclass. But this masterclass will also challenge you to think beyond “just” felt making techniques, and a significant proportion of me will be spent on analysis of volume and sculptural planes, and the sculpng process in general. You will learn to analyse concave and convex planes, and how to plan, sculpt and shape the felt into a coherent animal form. 

Throughout this masterclass, learning is supported through 1-to-1 consultations, group demonstration, illustrated explanations, Q&A sessions. Written handouts (in English) will be supplied. 

You need to come prepared to challenge yourself physically, mentally, and creatively, as well as to have plenty of fun and enjoy the possibilities of our chosen medium. 

Making a detailed and realistic mask in felt requires a combined approach of thorough planning, intuitive felt making, an aptitude for 3-dimensional form, and methodical, yet responsive sculpting. This process is me consuming and challenging, and it is imperative that only students with the right level of experience aend this masterclass. Without the relevant experience and understanding of wool, students will struggle and may not be able to finish their project (see Experience Levels and Masterclass Application Criteria below). 

In some venues, an additional 4-day preparatory workshop ‘Samples - Towards animal masks’ may be offered in advance of this masterclass. This is highly recommended for those wishing to benefit from a guided opportunity to work out colours, surface techniques and special effects in advance and to save time during the master class.

Photography session

In signing up to the masterclass, participants agree to take part in the photography session. This usually takes place in daylight, in the morning following the final tutored day of the master class. 

Preparatory instructions are included in the Materials List, provided separately upon successful registration.

Detailed program

All teaching/instructions are given in English. You will need a basic understanding & command of the English language. Some written handouts (in English) will be supplied. Simultaneous translation in French will be provided by a felt maker with extensive knowledge of the techniques taught.

Day 1 :  

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Shrinkage / basic anatomy/ designing & preparing the resist / laying out 1 & 2 (tutored).

Day 2 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Laying out 1 & 2 / eyes (tutored).

Day 3 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Eyes /attachments / laying out 3 & 4 (tutored).

Day 4 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Laying out 5 & 6 / fur, hair, locks (tutored).

Day 5 :

Student catch up day. There will be no tuition or supervision on that day but you will have access to the studio if you must to make preparation, review your work, check your notes.

Day 6 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Felting / sculpting (tutored).

Day 7 :

9h-12h : catch up morning (untutored) / 14h-18h : Sculpting (tutored).

Day 8 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Sculpting/ finishes (tutored).

Day 9 :

9h-12h / 14h-18h : Finishing touches, photography session (untutored).

Monitoring of execution and evaluation methods

• Attendance sheets.

• Learning is supported by practical demonstrations, one-on-one consultations and illustrated help and explanations.

• Training evaluation forms.

Materials available for students

• Each participant will benefit from a suitable individual workstation, with individual felting table adjustable in height, small felting equipment.

• Possibility of purchasing raw materials (wool, textiles, threads) on site if necessary and depending on available stocks. 

• Large light and bright workshop, abundant library specializing in textile art and colors.

Level of prior knowledge and prerequisites

The tutor has recently made some changes to mask making masterclasses. Due to the ever growing, popular demand for this topic, and the wide range of experience levels of students attracted to it, the topic has now been separated into two levels in order to serve students beer: 

• An Introduction to animal mask making - the basics (level 1); advanced preparatory workshopIntermediate.

• Faces of Extinction (level 2); masterclass.

Please use the definitions below to work out if this workshop is suitable for you: 

Total beginner: I have never wet felted before & wouldn't know where to start (but I may have dry/needle felted).

Beginner: I have made pieces of 2D wet felt but have not attempted any 3D work. I know the difference between felt and pre-felt. 

Intermediate: I am proficient in 2D wet felt making, and have made 3D work wet felt. I have basic knowledge of wool breeds, shrinkage/calculations, and have practical experience of working with pre-felt and felting around a resist.

Advanced: I am an experienced wet felter, and have very good working knowledge of both 2D and 3D wet felting techniques, including surface textures such as 'cracked earth' technique, and working with more complex resists. I have good theoretical knowledge of wet felting and have a practical understanding of the characteristics of different wool breeds and when to use them. 

Professional: Felt making provides my main source of income. I have excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of a wide range of wet felting techniques, including and exceeding those of the advanced felt maker (above). I have developed a parcular technique/style in my work. I currently am/would consider teaching my own workshops.

Masterclass application criteria 

This masterclass is intended for: 

• Intermediate & advanced feltmakers who have previously attended an animal mask making masterclass with the tutor.

• Intermediate & advanced felt makers who have attended the advanced workshop An introduction to animal mask making - the basics with the tutor. 

• Advanced & professional feltmakers who have not attended a mask making masterclass with the tutor, but can clearly demonstrate their level of complex resist and sculptural wet felting experience and ability. 

An aptitude for sculptural form will be helpful. 

Students in this masterclass should be ready to take their masks to the next level. Previous mask making experience and practical experience of complex resist work will be assumed, though exceptions may be made if the students can demonstrate a clear aptitude for sculptural felt work (this is up to the tutor’s discretion).

Compared to a level 1 Advanced Workshop, students will still benefit from the presence of their peer group and the wide range of applied techniques carried out in the classroom, but less me will be spent on the basics, and more independent work is expected (guided and supported by one-to-one consultations). Students are expected to do preparatory work in advance of the master class (see Advance Preparations, below), and to work additional, untutored hours if necessary, in order to complete their complex creation visions within the six days.

Applications for this masterclass may be assessed by the tutor in dialogue with the venue, through a student assessment questionnaire. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of their existing skills set by providing a website address or photos on request. If an applicant is deemed not quite ready for this masterclass (even if they have made masks previously), they are warmly encouraged to apply to An introduction to animal mask making - the basics instead. The tutor’s decision on this is final.

Personal Financing Rate

9-day training course (56 hours): €1,120. 

2 sessions -10% on total educational fees.

3 sessions -15% on total educational fees.

Maximum number of students: 10

Accommodation

Our residence is the ideal place to sleep on site throughout your training. If you would like to know more, write to us at contact@feutreformationfrance.fr