Behind The Mask
Tuesday-February 16, 2021
Dear Marion,
This past weekend was the start of Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday is today. Your granddaughter was intrigued and inspired by the conversations around King Cake and is presently making one during her school lunch break. It will not be ready for our taste buds until this evening and I can smell the sweet success she will be having with this recipe. It’s her first time making and actually my first time tasting King Cake. I love to take in the celebration and designs of Mardi Gras. The bright colors, the parade floats, the over-the-top costumes, makeup, and of course masks. One day it would be fun to road trip for Fat Tuesday and experience the larger-than-life explosive party for all of your senses. Lent begins tomorrow as does our struggle to give up our favorites- chocolate and ice cream. Today, we are still behind our masks and enjoying all things tasty.
Did you know ...masks were introduced to Mardi Gras as a way to level the playing field between class distinctions. For the 5 days of Mardi Gras celebrations everyone could pretend they were all equal and someone other than their everyday self. We took a trip to New Orleans for my birthday before we were married and arrived the day after Halloween(another festive, over-the-top design experience). In addition to all of the exploring from music, food, antiquing, and historic tours we discovered a mask maker located on a charming side street. We had so much fun choosing a mask using feathers and the characteristics of both feline and bird. That mask has become part of our home and if you recall has even been worn for a costume party.
The first mask I purchased was on a trip to Quebec City for a Renaissance Festival. Andrew planned the whole trip based on his interest in history and my interest in design, he even picked out period costumes for us to wear. We stayed at Le Chateau Frontenac right in the heart of the Renaissance Fair which was a perfect combination of our interests and we had a blast. We stumbled upon a shop that carried masks made by an artist that also designed masks for the performers of Cirque Du Soleil. After my first experience attending Cirque Du Soleil, I introduced you to those exciting performances filled with awe and based on a storyline that weaved all of the very physical individual acts together. Every other year a new show would arrive in NYC, the silhouette of their tents against the skyline filled me with such excitement I practically skipped to the entrance with anticipation.
On our honeymoon, we chose a place that we both yearned to see for different reasons. On this trip, I took the reins in planning and we traveled to South Africa, Cape Town, Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe in pursuit of an inland safari as well as a riverfront safari, elegant multiple days train trip from Capetown to Johannesburg. Think Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express (without the murder) and you have an understanding visual of our incredible experience. At some point, we found a mask or two and they joined the collection. Fast forward a few years and you can see the photo of your granddaughter’s mask... face painting inspired by one of our safari trips. One of your grandchildren designed their own mask with paper, paint, yarn, and a little Imagination and I think that may be my favorite...along with the face painting of course!
These days, you mention masks and we naturally think of face masks. With these masks, I don’t immediately think of intrigue and masquerades but rather health and protection from Covid-19. That being said, it is possible to still express ourselves using the mask for both protection and expression. I have seen clinical styles, elegant patterns, and hysterical options all giving a hint into the person choosing to wear the said mask. My love of masks has taken me to museums to sketch or simply to research and enjoy. Masks have such a history and can make a great point of conversation. We have our masks hanging in various areas of our home and they have not only added beauty to our home but a story. You taught me the value of arranging pieces that not only have meaning for me but also lend themselves to conversations with visitors to our home. I think you were right to teach me to share things I find interesting in whatever way I imagine.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“I don’t want realism. I want magic!”
Tennessee Williams
an acclaimed American playwright
1911-1983