ALESSANDRA RUSSO

I am a queer clown, mask maker, and multimedia artist based in Humboldt County, California.

A perennial student of ecology, mycology & herbalism, I am also a mad biophiliac. During my time studying at Dell’arte International School of Physical Theater, I fell in love with mask making. Since the concept “to be able to perform a mask, you must be able to make a mask” is woven into the school’s pedagogy, mask studio was a significant part of our curriculum.

My motivation to build masks arises from a need to tell stories that are inclusive of a more-than-human perspective. As a physical theater maker and botanical student, I am constantly cataloging ecological forms and stories. Considering how a creature might interact with its environment, be it physical or imaginal, allows me to begin designing the architecture of their anatomy. 

My intoxication with mask making is fueled by an intense scientific curiosity, paired with an animistic ethos. There is a particular magic in discovering a new creature. The willingness of each mask being to come into form relies on an intimate dialogue that, to me, resembles something like prayer. 

I work primarily in papier-mache and discarded materials. There’s usually a fair bit of hot glue, spray paint, and tin foil involved. I love experimenting with new materials and methods, and am constantly looking for new & unusual components to incorporate into my work.