My work has led me to research masks and how they vary from one culture to another. In Japan, they used theatrical masks in theatres, for example a fox mask. This fascinated me, and also inspired the development of my own portfolio of theatrical animal masks. A replica and spin off from the Personal Protection masks, which we must all now wear to protect us from the un- seen enemy of COVID -19.
My surname ‘Rehle’ translates to ‘ Little Deer.’ My home in Germany is surrounded by woods where woodland animals inhabit. I began to draw and paint these creatures and my work has focused on the deer.
Modeling skills have been used to produce plaster and wire antlers, and a wire frame for the mask. Machine sewing skills have produced the cloth mask.
