Timothy Stephens

I\'ve always been drawn to the beauty and pageantry of masks; the way they enhance, transform, or hide our true persona. Throughout my childhood Halloweens, my father would construct costumes and masks for my siblings and me. He employed a variety of materials - chicken wire and cardboard were often a favorite medium. We were his walking artistic creations - goldilocks and the three bears, a line of train cars, a giant roll of life-savers. The artistry, wit and simple fun expressed through these early creations left their mark on me and serve as a continuing source of inspiration in my art. I began making masks and helmets at an early age, mostly constructing them with paper mache, chicken-wire, and duct tape. I still enjoy creating with these materials, most of which can still be found throughout our homes basement -much to my wife\'s annoyance, at times. I suppose that in some ways these things keep the early memories of my dad\'s creative spirit fresh in my mind. Over time I discovered how to capture facial forms utilizing leather as a medium. I loved this material and I\'ve continued to make leather masks ever since. Most of the masks you see displayed here are made of leather. I have featured my work at an array of Artwalk events around Seattle, and have also created custom-made masks and head-pieces for masquerade events, performance artists and theatre productions.