Primary materials: Cloth, glue, metal mesh, tape, acrylic paint.
I started this mask by making a metal-mesh shell and covering it with cloth dipped in glue. It’s rare for me to make masks with visors instead of eyes, but I had never done this with cloth and glue before, and I wanted to try it.
The root-like structures on the face is another innovative feature. I made them by twisting masking tape into ropes, gluing them down in the patterns you see, and then covering them in cloth and glue. That was a lot of work! I like how organic it looks.
I put magnets inside around the visor opening, so mesh can be magnetically attached and swapped out easily, or removed completely for an open visor.
Continuing the theme of innovations, this is the first time I used scales as a major design feature. I had used a few before on the Scorpion Helmet.
I started by putting scales around the bottom of the mask. After some consideration I decided to continue this more or less circular, non-overlapping scale pattern across the whole thing, except for some big scales along the top and back, which are not visible in the pictures.
These scales were challenging to put on, but actually went a bit faster than I anticipated, and I like the look.
For painting, I used the trusty approach of applying many thin layers to build complexity. All the nooks created by the scales and facial structures made this a tough one to paint. Orange is not a color I typically use, but I think it makes this look quite distinct.
Finally I put in a chin-strap and some strategically placed foam padding. It’s quite comfortable, and has good visibility and breathability.