Nestled quietly at her work table and secretly observed by dozens of handcrafted, wearable masks in her showroom, Wendy Drolma declines, if only to herself, the curious title of Mask maker. Despite creating masks for over twenty years, she considers herself more of an Alchemist. The masks represent something essential and enigmatic that vibrates just beneath the surface and tends to retreat as we approach. P
aradoxically, it’s this cosmic game of hide and seek that fuels her desire to shape materials into something more… well… enduring. Something that holds meaning in our lives and gives us the courage to stand before others and feel powerful despite our fragility. Craftsmanship is at the core of a Wendy Drolma mask. As a child, she loved watching things being made.
Long before the term became popular, her parents were “makers,” and observing them use tools was a form of intimacy she cherished and still enjoys. Anticipating choices and navigating the quirks of form and function provided excellent inspiration for her creativity. She is self-taught and, since 1993, has dedicated herself to the craft of creating uniquely beautiful handmade masks that are unmatched in comfort.
Inspired by nature, each mask is carefully crafted with attention to detail. The leather is imported from Italy and tanned using extracts from vegetable matter like tree bark and oak leaves—one of the oldest tanning methods. In a Wendy Drolma mask, one can see themselves in a way they’ve never seen before. They can hold that moment forever.
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