The story of mask

masks are for more than safety

Masks.

There’s a lovely word for driving wedges.

The awareness of and conscious wearing of masks was a new thing for many of us.

For some, they’re a symbol of oppression. For others, they are a symbol of caring.

This post isn’t for either of those groups.

Though masks are often used for protection from illnesses, in sports and at work those aspects of ‘masking’ I find tedious. I’ve been a mask maker for twenty five years. I love masks as tools for transformation.

For years, I worked in schools using theatrical masks to help young people get comfortable with being uncomfortable. They are objects to hide behind, creating the illusion of safety. While wearing them and feeling safe, people frequently can tap into something essential about themselves and reveal themselves to the world in ways they didn’t intend nor imagine possible.

I love playing in masks. I most of all loved playing in masks for my daughter.

I’ve never been the nurturing kind. My job was to show up and play. Sometimes showin…