Mechanism Project - Mask in Motion

April 2024
Materials: Steel/aluminum wire, rubber bands, cardboard, fishing tring, fabric

A mask almost entirely made of wire, focusing on the jaw movement as a main driver for movement, as well as a secondary force of the hands for extra movement.

Inspired by Aerarius Metalworks masks and general movements of animatronics. This mask was made to have a bird-like form, and pieces of cloth were draped over the piece to portray a tattered and unsettling appearance.

Sketches

Initial sketches of the the forms the mask can take, and also thinking about how to create moving mechanisms.

Sketch models of mechanisms, including jaw fitted to my face, a small model of how the mask might move with the jaw, and moving wings.

Process

Constructing mask based on the shape and size of my head, starting to add the basic elements of the jaw mechanism.
Attaching finished wire beak to the bigger jaw mechanism. There are two mechanisms working here, the upper and lower beak. Both function from a lever system that helps create motion in these two pieces.

Making and attaching the main driver in movement of the wings. Rubber bands are added to help mechanism go back into its neutral position.
Finished and fully attached wings.
Attaching pieces of fabric for its final look.

Final Mask

Mechanisms

Jaw

Beak

Wings

Wearing

Closed

Open

Back

Front

Video

This is a short film demonstrating the mechanisms and movements of the mask, mimicking an animatronic in a horror setting.