1. Plaster Vocabulary
1) Plaster- A mixture of lime (or gypsum), sand, and water that hardens to a smooth solid. -Packaged in powered forms, sometimes attached to cloth`s to make it more solid. 2) Impression- A mark produced onto a surface by pressure, printing, or stamping. -AKA: Pressing an object onto a surface to transfer that design or texture. 3) Inclusion- A gaseous, liquid, or solid foreign body enclosed in a mass. -AKA: Process of trapping objects into 3D works for added layers, texture, and/or effects.

2. Why Plaster Instead of Clay?
1) Dries quicker
Clay takes 5-6 days to dry where plaster takes 30 mins-1 hour
2) Does not shrink as it dries
Clay shrinks, which is a problem for form-fitting masks
3) Is lighter
It is important for masks to leave the head mobile
Plaster Origins
The Italians were the first to mass produce and standardize plaster masks to symbolize ideas and emotions for all sorts of public events. (like festivals, plays, parades, and balls)