My Monster Mask

I took inspiration from the costumes and masks made by local Thai people during the festival of The Hungry Ghost and started some drawings to develop as flat, graphic jacquards for 12 of the 24 pieces of the outside of the lantern, contrasting strongly with the 12 3D, sculptural knitted pieces.

Inspired by the illustrative line work, shapes and patterns found within the costumes I wanted to draw some more literal translations of the monster created within these outfits. Many people draw monster eyes and teeth onto their masks and use curved lines to create patterns around that. I really wanted to create a clear connection between the costumes and my drawings to really convey that this is the main event, the carnival, not only inspired by my own experiences of street culture in S.E Asia, but the festival itself, and the people that can be found there.

I like the idea of taking forward one design to develop and after choosing a final colour palette, repeating it for the 12 pieces. They will be placed alternately between the more sculptural pieces. I love the use of eyes, as the lantern rotates it will create the sensation of being watched.

The sharp teeth, and red and green eyes convey the classic scary monster elements which are depicted in the costumes, at this stage of the Hungry Ghosts Journey, they have arrived at the carnival, still very much angry, hungry ghosts, waiting to be appeased. The outside is to represent the ghosts arrival, after being appeased through colour, texture, experience and sound, the ghosts leave the lantern happy ghosts.