I found this news video this morning, and it was interesting for several reasons. First, it shows that any successful craft will eventually get competition from other countries in the global economy, so the old ways of doing things can become unprofitable. That can mean that a way of life that has lasted for many generations comes to an end. But this video also shows us some wonderful Venetian paper mache masks, as made in the original manner. (They look quite similar to the ones I made for How to Make Masks! but the video doesn’t show how the masks are made – they only show them after they’re finished. They may be using some molds that were created centuries ago.)
- My favorite online bookstore.
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I just recently ran across your site and I have to say your tutorials are wonderful! This article is very discerning…but so true in many respects to the art world. Not only with the art of paper mache, but also illustrators and the constant battle they have with “stock art” sites that sells images for incredibly cheap rates that folks can use for advertising, etc.
The only saving grace I see in it all is the fact that people get what they pay for. Though the plastic masks from china may be cheaper, there are a million of them out there. Whereas if you go for authentic hand crafted items, you are not only buying an original piece, but possibly something that has so much history behind it as well. I don’t think people would ever stop buying handmade goods. Still, it does hurt businesses, I can’t see it ever going away completely.
Anyhow, thank you so much for sharing your work and inspiring others through it all.