Rev. Dr. Hoolala (the ‘H’ is silent)
Hello, I’m a mask maker and costume designer located in Eugene, Oregon (for now). I’ve been making art for almost as long as I can remember, and my hobby of mask making reached a turning point back in 2004 when I decided to work on masks as a business. I discovered mask making in college and all the tricks I learned prior in drawing, painting, and sculpting help a lot with mask making. Most of my inspiration comes from folklore and mythology references, particularly Asian and European. I believe masks are instrumental in both hiding and discovering ourselves because they connect imagery from our culture and society to our own deeply rooted psychology. Eventually, I intend to explore their use in healing and counseling settings as well. In the meantime, I love a challenge and take on commissions of all kinds.
Thus far, I provided masks and costumes for the University of Oregon, North Eugene High School, South Eugene High School, Kalapuya High School, Upstart Crow theaters, Ballet Fantastique and Hosannah Dance ballet studios, as well as many custom orders for individual clients. I also vend at Renaissance Fairs such as the ‘Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire’ and ‘Sea Dog Nights and Gypsy Days.’ My main materials have been paper mache and hot glue, and I’ve begun branching out into using felt, glue, and sculpey as well. Always eager to further develop my technique, I also aspire to travel and learn mask making techniques from mask makers in other parts of the world.
As much as I enjoy my artistic pursuits, though, my real goal involves eventually starting an organization offering acting and mask making classes as means to counsel abuse victims through a variety of art/drama therapy and outreach programs. While for now I’m making masks as forms of expression and enjoyment, it’s only the beginning of what I intend to do with them.
Dr. Hoolala!!! It is so nice to see your page. I am impressed with your work. Keep up the great work!!!