I create custom Designs for Masks of all sizes for stage, film, training and performance. We have created over 100 new designs for masks in our 4 years, and have been called the Baltimore Washington region's "go to" source for all things Mask related.
I began making masks, not because I felt I was an adequate sculptor, but because I felt a need to share mask performance with actors. I wanted to make work that was interesting to me, and so I knew I had to build my own community in mask here in Baltimore. The masks themselves came as a means to an end- I simply wanted to have the masks as tools for my own work, and it was easier to make them myself than to buy them from another mask maker.
As a result of this chance decision to make my own tools, I have come to cherish and revel in the opportunity to devise my own lessons and meanings out of the mask sculpture. I feel it gives me a powerful way to interact with a community of players without having to use words or training. The masks can in so many ways speak for themselves.
Here are a few of my favorite examples of the pieces for which I have been commissioned and I am grateful to their owners for inviting me into their work.
I began making masks, not because I felt I was an adequate sculptor, but because I felt a need to share mask performance with actors. I wanted to make work that was interesting to me, and so I knew I had to build my own community in mask here in Baltimore. The masks themselves came as a means to an end- I simply wanted to have the masks as tools for my own work, and it was easier to make them myself than to buy them from another mask maker.
As a result of this chance decision to make my own tools, I have come to cherish and revel in the opportunity to devise my own lessons and meanings out of the mask sculpture. I feel it gives me a powerful way to interact with a community of players without having to use words or training. The masks can in so many ways speak for themselves.
Here are a few of my favorite examples of the pieces for which I have been commissioned and I am grateful to their owners for inviting me into their work.
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The Spirit of Christmas Present: A poetic Carol in Three Movements, with Civic Ensemble of Ithaca, NYDecember 2015: Bringing holiday spirit and wordless wonder to Ithaca, NY is Civil Ensemble's original work, The Spirit of Christmas Present: A Poetic Carol in Three Movements. I am so pleased that they used our masks to make their piece this year!
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Short film featuring our Robot MaskCustom design for film maker Steve Bradford for his charming, award winning short film, "Self, Designed" What can I say, I just love this piece, featuring the lovely and incredible Emma Crane Jaster.
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22 masks for Loyola Blakefield production of Caucasian Chalk CircleSo many masks! All paper mache! So MANY HOURS!!! We fabricated these masks with the help of 14 middle and high school students, lead by myself and Christian Garrettson at Loyola Blakefield.
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7 Commedia mask set for IMAGINARY AUTOPSEE at UMBC with Colette Searls directingIn this month long training residency and mask making commission, I had the joy of working with 7 wonderful actors from UMBC, my undergraduate alma mater, as well as the remarkable Collette Searls. Colette's work in puppetry runs parellel to mask work, and our interests in comedy, spectacle and play made for a completely invigorating collaboration. Imaginary Invalid had audiences falling out of their seats. Seeing this piece come together and recognizing the value of the training I provided was a true pivot point in my career.
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Stag head for BOOM! TheatreBOOM! Theatre of Howard County created a production of STAG KING! that was featured at EMT Collective space. The piece had premiered in Howard County previous to coming to Baltimore. Directed by the very talented Ryan Anthony Nicotra, we created this piece ( a deer) and one other (a parrott) . Nicotra raised money for these pieces because he valued the role of the mask in this production, and we were honored and grateful to get to participate in making his vision come to life.
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Mask GuideHere is a beautiful mask that I did not make, but did help a talented actor named Lily Kerrigan to birth during the DYSKOLOS project with Ambassador Theatre Cultural Center.
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DYSKOLOS Mask Making for Ambassador Theatre Cultural Center"Tara Cariaso led our actors in creating a large number of masks in a short period of time. The task was a challenge, but her organizational skills, commitment to a high quality outcome, and mastery of the art resulted in a series of masks of which our cast is proud and which have drawn positive comments from our audience. Tara approached this demanding project with humor, grace, and insight which made the process enjoyable for all. Tara not only instructed the cast in the creation process, but also gave two immensely useful workshops on mask performance. Our production of Dyskolos has been enriched to a large degree by Tara's expert guidance." Stephen Shetler, Associate Director, Ambassador Theater
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Shikami mask for Madame Butterfly, at Lyric Opera of BaltimoreThis mask was featured in James Harp's 2014 production of Madame Butterfly at the Lyric Opera Of Baltimore. It was 22 inches long, top to bottom, and was a shocking vision that haunted the hall while the amazing vocalists and orchestra took us on a passionate and glorious journey through time and cultures.
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Pinocchio! by Faction of Fools and NextStep TheatreCreation of 5 original designs for this classic play with a heart warming Commedia interpretation: Pinocchio, Fox, Cat, Geppetto, and Fire Eater. This production, directed by the marvelous Paul Reisman, has had 2 full runs between 2014 and 2015, and is still booking school shows. Our favorite piece we made for this show was the tricky nose that must sprout from Pinocchio's face when he lies. With the help of my husband's engineering savvy, we made the nose attachment super fast by using magnets to attach it!
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Greek Masks in service to children with different abilities and the Magical Experiences Art CompanyThese masks, representing the ancient Greek faces of "Comedy and Tragedy" were used by Joanne Margolius in Magical Experiences Arts Company's (MEAC) newest production. MEAC is a Baltimore based company that works exclusively with and for student's with developmental challenges, claiming residency at The Baltimore School for the Blind. These masks are used to facilitate a tactile and visual understanding with students as the play's drama unfolds. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with MEAC and their incredible mission to bring joy and understanding to youth with different abilities.