Masks

I introduced mask making during the art therapy groups I run. This is an ongoing project that will probably take several weeks to complete, depending on the attention span of the client, how quickly they are able to work, and how often they are present for art therapy (since groups are voluntary).

Materials

– Lunch trays
– Plastic molds that look like faces (1 for every potential group attendee)
– Tissue paper of a variety of colors
– Vaseline/Petroleum jelly
– White glue
– Water
– Small plastic containers to hold the glue
– Large paint brushes.

Introduction

Depending on the cognitive level of functioning of the group members you are working with, you may decide to have a conversation about masks and their potential meaning. You may choose to discuss topics like Jung’s concept of the persona, and how the way we present on the outside may be very different than how we feel on the inside.

In the case of the clients I work with, many of whom are lower functioning, I decided to take a more art as therapy approach, where I focus on aiding the clients work through any difficulties they may have with the art making process in order to facilitate a successful art-making experience.

I am currently toying with the idea of asking each client to describe what their masks remind them of, after their masks are finished, and then encourage them to make a short story (in some cases that could be one sentence) about their mask. Many clients are unable to read or write, so I would ask other staff members to attend this group to help record the stories of each client who asks for help with writing.

Procedure

Before beginning the group, mix a small amount of water with white glue, making decoupage. Place the decoupage into small containers. If you would like to promote peer interaction and sharing, you may choose to have clients share these containers. However, in my experience with this directive, many clients have never made a mask before, and seem to find it overwhelming to have to interact with their peers and learn something new at the same time. Therefore, in order to promote socialization, I like to end group by each client showing the piece they worked on during the session.

Because many of the clients I work with have difficulty establishing boundaries with other people, or recognizing when they are becoming intrusive onto other people’s boundaries, I have introduced the use of lunch-trays as a work space for each client during art therapy group. Before the group begins place a mask is upon a lunch tray, and position the tray in front of each client.

Cover the mask with the Vaseline/petroleum jelly. This will help the paper to easily be removed from the plastic form without any ripping.

Explain to the group that this directive will take several weeks to complete, and that they will be gluing many layers of tissue paper onto the mask. The reason for this is that paper is very delicate, and the more layers you put, the stronger the mask will be.

Demonstrate how to glue the tissue paper onto the mask by dipping your paint brush into the decoupage, and putting some glue directly onto the mask itself. Next, place a piece of tissue paper over the glue and add more decoupage ontop, smoothing the tissue down. Instruct the group to continue layering the tissue paper until the whole mask has been covered. Remind the group that they will need to cover the mask with several layers, which will take a few group sessions, and they will not be able to finnish in one day.

Results

All the clients who have attended the art therapy groups over the past few weeks (presently approximately 15 clients) have been able to successfully begin and/or complete making a mask. My observation is that the clients seem to calm as they tear and glue the tissue paper. There is often very little talking while creating is going on.

I have found that some clients may need a 1:1 explanation of the gluing process in addition to the group introduction. It may also be helpful to have other staff present, who can help clients with reduced dexterity in their hands to maneuver the paint brushes, tissue paper and the mask.

A common counter-transference reaction to this population is to feel like one must help the client complete a task perfectly, or to our standard. Sometimes this means we can take control from the client, and essential do the task for them. Therefore, it may be necessary to remind staff before/after group that the artwork being produced is indeed that of the client, and that we do not want to complete the project for them. As staff, we are trying to help the client complete the mask to their satisfaction, rather than our satisfaction. Furthermore, the goal is to help each client create a successful piece of artwork. If one sees there are spots that need more layers, or places that need more glue, one must be sure to point this out to the client, letting the client find his/her own solutions to the potential problem or ask for help in implementing their solutions.

Overall, since many of these clients have never made a mask before, they seem proud that they were able to follow instructions and make something more complex and unique than a pre-made arts and crafts project. However, I have found that some clients need encouragement to attend art therapy and complete their masks. For some it seems that the idea of trying something new, something they may fail at, is so overwhelming that they choose to avoid finishing their masks. Many people with developmental disabilities have the experience of not being able to complete a directive to the standard that was set for them. This may lead to feelings of shame and/or guilt. It seems that a schema has developed that describes the self as incapable. With these clients, this is a chance to learn and challenge their self-concept. I have found it helpful to reassure these clients that they are capable of completing this project, and that however the mask turns out, thats okay because art therapy is about self-expression not how pretty a picture we can make.