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I first began mask making after a
vacation to New Orleans, where I was first exposed to leather Mardi Gras masks. I spent
several hours in the mask shop, and purchased two, before I headed home.
After doing some research on the mask making process, I
drew upon my background in art and literature, and produced several masks of my own
design. Over the next few months, as my experience in mask making grew, and new techniques
developed, I began experimenting with new and varied designs.
Because I have had no formal training, my techniques,
designs, and subject matter are somewhat unique and off the beaten path. I have now
produced thousands of masks. My styles range from festive masks such as the man in the
moon, jesters, and the sun king, to creatures of the night like demons, skulls, and
dragons, to everyday animal masks such as wolves, eagles, cats and bats. I also produce
many custom pieces on a regular basis.
 My masks have been featured in newscasts, magazines
and newspapers, fashion layouts, and several arts and fashion
shows. Several masks can also be seen in the CD-ROM computer game "Taboo" as
well as a book of props and theatrical costuming for the live action game "Vampire:
The Masquerade". My work was also among the several masks purchased by the Fox
network to be used in a new series set in New Orleans, and many of my masks now have celebrity owners.
I have produced masks for the Busch Gardens Halloween Ice Show, several
theatre groups, as well as dance groups, and some Metropolitan Opera productions. I
currently work with many Renaissance Fairs as well, and due to the international appeal of
Mardi Gras, my masks have traveled as far as Ecuador, France, Norway and Japan.
I would like to thank you for the interest you have shown
in my masks and hope that you enjoy them.
Vincent Ur - artist
About the Masks
Each mask is unique. The leather’s original
design is cut manually and then shaped by hand. Each mask is sculpted from a single piece of
leather. No two pieces are glued or stiched together.
The leather is then treated to retain its form
and resist moisture. Acrylic paint is applied, which enhances and completes the
mask’s identity while reinforcing and protecting the leather’s shape.
The completed mask is light, yet strong and
durable, making it suitable for years of wear or hanging as decoration. Each mask is
finalized by signing and numbering within the year it was crafted.
Mask care is as simple as wiping it clean with a damp cloth or brushing the harder to reach nooks and crannies with a clean, dry, soft-bristled paint brush. As with all quality leather products, watch out for water. The mask is treated to resist moisture, so a light rain will not damage it, nor sweat from the face, but is not one hundred percent water proof so no hot tubbing!
If your masks happens to suffer an accident please contact me. I can repair all but deliberate damage to your masks. The only cost to you is shipping.
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