November started out strong! Reveal/Conceal, my retrospective exhibit of 19 years of theatre masks opened alongside A Universal Feeling, the international collaboration I've been developing over the past two years, at the beginning of the month. It was a really special night to share with the public—as well as some collaborators—and to have conversations about … Continue reading Artist Q&A Added!
It’s been an amazing 5 months of work on A Universal Feeling! January through March were heavy on the initial creation of the six expressions of emotion. The last two months have been a heavy lift—with many volunteers—of creating the iterations of the masks in papier-mâché. Throughout the making process, I also had to stagger … Continue reading Project Update: A Universal Feeling
I'm looking for friendly volunteers who have an interest in making and a sensitivity to detail -- and-- who think it would be fun to do some papier-mâché in community with others. You'll be helping make copies of some emotion masks for an upcoming art installation later this year. Papier-Mâché Volunteer Hours Seeking 3 to … Continue reading Volunteers and Chewed paper
My first large exhibition! About a year ago, I was approached to make an exhibit of my work... and it's happening! Spanning the last 19 years of making masks, the exhibit Reveal / Conceal: The Transformative Masks of Tony Fuemmeler runs November 5 2019–January 3, 2020 at the Parrish Gallery, Chehalem Cultural Center. Stay tuned … Continue reading Exhibits and puppets and spring—oh my!
For two Saturdays in March, I traveled to the Lelooska Foundation in Ariel, WA, to learn more about the art of mask carving in the Pacific NW. The Lelooska Foundation is home to one of the chieftainships of the Kwakwaka'wakw tribe. Many tribes in the NW have amazing mask traditions as a part of their … Continue reading NW Coast Masks and the Lelooska Foundation
I've often found that people aren't quite sure what I mean when I say I'm a mask maker. Chris Hatcher of Field Guide Films gives a terrific peek behind the curtains in this video. The Mask Maker from Chris Hatcher on Vimeo. The masks I'm making here are for the production of The Spider Queen by … Continue reading The Mask Maker
Hi! It's been awhile. But for great reasons! I've been working on lots of projects in the last few months. Here's a little about one of them. The Project Canby High has a team of about 25 dancers who participate in large dance competitions around the region. The dances are performed on a large gymnasium … Continue reading Collaboration: Canby HS Dance Team
Welcome to my first blog from Italia. In short, it's amazing! The study is engrossing, the people wonderful, a wine costs just a couple euro.Because of difficultly in previous years of the workshop, we aren't allowed to take many pictures during the workshop, so instead of lots of mask process photos, you'll enjoy shots of … Continue reading Tutti piani
Behind the Scenes: The King Stag This show was produced at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, and designed by Professor Michael Olich. I worked as the movement consultant for the actors and as an assistant designer/ builder of various mask and puppet items. Seven months before the show would open, we met to share broad concepts, … Continue reading Hunting for solutions
I had an amazing summer of work, which has lead right into some great projects this fall. I have been so occupied with doing, I haven't had much time to share.. so here are just a few quick highlights! The Creation Story: Lincoln Center Education & Carmen DeLavallade After taking part in a second summer … Continue reading A summer of puppetry & dance