Masks Made by Lulu: Feb 19, 2021 edition

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The conundrum was this—do I post images of the latest and greatest mask creations knowing there is a universe of improvements to make on my photography “skills”, or do I save the photos and learn to become an incrementally better photographer? The first option comes with a fair amount of humiliation knowing these masks are a labor of love and actually look much better in real life but option 2 could actually take a decade or longer, so there’s that. Part of the inspiration for maintaining a blog is to overcome a lifetime of procrastination through creative expression and I’ve always had more than enough excuses to not follow through. This is my internets “work in progress space”, I suppose.

Below are a few of the latest endeavors using a “darted” mask style reconfigured into three panels instead of the one or two paneled versions graciously shared online. The initial goal behind a three-panel design was how to best use recycled (up-cycled, reclaimed) denim and maintain enough breathability in a fully-lined face mask. (Also, how to best incorporate decorative details such as pom poms and rick rack …) 

The “3 Pt. Dart” design also inspires more whimsy and variety in fabric combinations which for a life-long fabric-hoarder like myself, living in a land without the likes of Robert Kaufman or Amy Butler fabrics, Stonemountain and Daughter or Poppy Fabrics, or even a Joann store, helps keep the creative muse alive. 

Support Bandcamp Fridays & shameless self-promotion

BC on BC
Because I’ve made the commitment to launch this blog (which means I need content) and want to promote three artists in particular while bashfully sharing some of my own design work—here’s a sincere attempt to champion a once-per-month event allowing independent labels and musicians to earn 100% of their Bandcamp sales. Bandcamp Fridays started in 2020 as a reaction to lost-revenue or canceled tours due to Covid-19 restrictions, with the site waiving all fees each first Friday and proved so wildly successful for all involved (Bandcamp, artists, and fans) it will continue throughout 2021. (And yes, I still design from time to time.)
 
It’s been a bit over a year since the long-overdue cessation of my eMusic subscription as many of my most beloved labels such as Glitterbeat/Earthbeat, _Anti, Soundway, etc. abandoned eMusic and could most often be found on Bandcamp. As it’s unlikely I’ll purchase vinyl or a compact disc willingly in my lifetime, and would rather give the likes of Apple and Amazon as little disposable income as possible, Bandcamp is more often than not my first stop because I’m OK with supporting musicians through making a purchase of an actual album.
 

Who to follow and support on Bandcamp according to Lucija

I’ve been fortunate enough to listen to music by the artists below as part of my design process for their creations and am more than happy to send well-deserved love (and hopefully sales) their way. 

Beth Custer

The immensely-talented Beth Custer and I have been BFFs since the late-80s and have worked together on and off over the years. Clarinets, saxophones, keyboards, compositions, and voice are a just a smattering of her many talents, and I know no other who works as hard as she. (Fun fact: I also officiated her wedding…) Our recent collaborations lead me to…

Kokoku The Band

Managed by Beth Custer’s frequent film collaborator Cathy Lee Crane. File under lo-fi 80s punk-femme folk. (I really wanted the photo of the trio in their quaint mom jeans on the cover but listened to the client 😉 )

Anaphoria

Anaphoria lives in the expansive brain of NSW-based Kraig Grady where he continues to create experimental intonational textures and sounds. Oddly, he’s the only person I’ve ever known to ship massive, self-built and toned mallet-based instruments across continents.

So, mark your calendars—the first Bandcamp Friday takes place on February 5th from 12:00am to 11:59pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) and will continue every first Friday of the month throughout 2021. (Note to self and others in the EU: wait until at least 10AM CET to purchase…).