Mark Andrew Schneider Returns to a Childhood Passion
Although professional mask maker Mark Andrew Schneider was fascinated by art, monsters, and special fx from a young age, it wasn't until relatively late in life that he began to pursue an artistic career. After finishing school, he supported himself in a variety of ways, including several years as a chef. But there was always something missing -- he needed to find a creative pursuit that would more fully consume him. Returning to his lifelong passion for fantasy art, Schneider found his muse in mask making.
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- The Magic of Masks
- From Hobbyist to Professional Artist
- Mixing Mediums, Materials, and Styles
- Schneider’s Advice to Aspiring Artists
The Magic of Masks
For Schneider, masks fulfill a deep human need: to transform and express our hidden selves. He's also intrigued by the storytelling and spiritual functions they've played throughout human history. Whether used by a Shaman or Shakespeare, masks help us communicate in powerful ways.
(Schneider's artistic influences run the gamut from Shamanistic to Theatrical.)
From Hobbyist to Professional Artist
In the beginning, Schneider pursued his new passion as a hobby, creating masks in his spare time without concern for their commercial value. But as he began to consider making mask-making his vocation, he had to learn to set aside his own artistic vision to deliver on the vision of others. Rather than stifling Schneider's creativity, this became a valuable exercise in surrender and artistic collaboration that has made his personal work that much more inspired.
((Top) “Rat King” mask commission. (Bottom) “The Crow Doctor” plague doctor mask.)
(3 varieties of Schneider's neoprene rubber skull mask.)
Mixing Mediums, Materials, and Styles
Now, four years later, Mark has realized his dream and makes masks full-time. Between theater, television, and film commissions and selling his original work to art enthusiasts and collectors, he's constantly juggling new projects, exploring the boundaries of the medium, mixing materials and styles, from neoprene to cast resin, unicorns to demons. Schneider considers his masks to be "Wearable Art," and hopes that when not wearing them, his customers will hang his masks on their walls as they would any work of art.
(A menagerie of masks by Mark Andrew Schneider.)
Schneider’s Advice to Aspiring Artists
Mark advises aspiring artists to hone their craft by creating lots of art. Even terrible art. He admits he's learned more from his failures than his successes. But by continually honing his craft and, just as importantly, sharing the results, he's found an audience for his work and turned his passion for mask-making into a profession.
(Mark Andrew Schneider's winning “Kaiju Design Contest” maquette.)
Follow Mark Andrew Schneider:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FaustandCompany
Website: http://www.faustandcompany.com
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