We often hide behind masks. In many ancient and native cultures masks are a way to connect to the Divine. Traditionally, an individual wearing such a mask is transformed into a spiritual conduit. Nowadays wearing a mask takes on a much different meaning. We wear invisible masks in order to function in daily life. These are personas we fabricate for ourselves as a means of protection from the rest of the world.

Mask-making for me also reflects a way to expose these hidden emotional selves by turning things inside out, making the invisible visible. Through the masks I also try to bring a sense of reconnection to the mystical link of our emotions and the spirit world. One of the questions I like to ask myself to when I am forming the papier-mache or clay is: are we really in control of these masks we wear, or are they in control of us?

My interest in mask-making developed from a childhood love of creating unique Halloween costumes, involvement in scholastic theater productions and influences from living in Brazil during Carnival.

Each mask is designed and sculpted individually to produce a one-of-a-kind creation.

SHOWS:
Birds
Group Show, May 2001
Q-Hut Gallery
904 SE Belmont St; Portland, OR

Side Show
Group Show, October 2001
Q-Hut Gallery
904 SE Belmont St; Portland, OR

Show of Masks
Solo Show, April-May 2002
Hi-iH Gallery
2927 NE Alberta St; Portland, OR
Alberta Street Last Thursdays

Reflections
A Two-Women Show, March 2003
Cafe 976
Pacific Beach, CA

ArtWalk 2003
April 2003
San Diego, CA
Downtown San Diego’s Fine Art Street Fair

Elements
Group Show, May 2003
Artist Colony
101 E Street; Encinitas, CA

June Group Show
Gallery DX, June-August 2003
Café Calabria
San Diego, CA
Second Saturdays, Ray Street

Freshmen Group Show
October 2005
Freeman Gallery, Northwest College of Art
Poulsbo, WA

Mask Show
Solo show, November 2005
8 Limbs Yoga
Seattle, WA
First Thursdays

COLLECTIONS:

Masks
Pat Dew; Hobe Sound, FL; Skull; 2002 "Show of Masks"
Mark and Angelina Woolley of Mark Woolley Gallery; Portland, OR; Tree Snakes; 2002 "Show of Masks"
Roz Foster; Portland, OR; Tortuga; 2002 “Show Of Masks”
Tom Cramer; Portland, OR; Chameleon Woman; 2002 private sale
Carl Ole Toft Herring; Denmark; Vulture; 2003 private sale
Tom Morgan; San Diego, CA; Succulent Moth; 2003 "Reflections"
John Ross; San Diego, CA; Bird of Paradise; 2003 "Reflections"
Garron Billick; Seattle, WA; Dragonfly Eden; 2005 "Mask Show"

Murals
Carl and Kim Toft; Vista, CA; RaceCars; 2003 contracted

Paintings and Drawings
Barbara Buechle; Portland, OR; Phoenix; 2002 private sale
Carl Ole Toft Herring; Denmark; Seated Nude; 2003, private sale

AWARDS:
Willamette Weekly, Gallery Show Pick of the Month, April 2002