Kulin mask makes museum archive

A MASK by artist, Deanne Gilson has been acquired by the Melbourne Museum for their permanent collection.

Sewn for the COVID climate, Gilson made the archived face covering from original fabric featuring her own native silver Banksia painting.

“I’m obsessed with Banksias. In July to August, the flowers come out and tell you the season. The nectar is a bush tucker, and the wildlife loves it. The pods are used for fire sticks,” Gilson said.

“The curator had seen one of my posts on Instagram of a silver Banksia mask, and purchased one for the museum, which is such an exciting thing to happen.

“I didn’t realise a hand painted mask could make it into a major collection.”

With textile expertise and a “diploma in fashion design I never thought I’d use,” Gilson began making masks earlier in the pandemic to ensure her elderly father, Barry was protected.

Finding Kulin Seasons fabric she’d designed in 2018 for Hong Kong’s Business of Design Week, she got to work, sewing about 80 masks which have been popular amongst Ballarat’s “supportive” creatives and her extended family.

Gilson also gave more than half of the face coverings away to the Aboriginal community, including elders in need of a three-layer mask.

“The Kulin Seasons fabric is based loosely on the seasons’ natural changes to the environment, plants and animals, with some favourite exceptions like my waratah design,” Gilson said.

“I’ve done two cotton layers, and the pretty outer layer. I’ve enjoyed the process, and having people wear my own flower designs.

“I started it all to protect my dad, and now I’ve been able to protect a lot of people.”

Gilson has a “little stash” of masks at her front door for friends quickly needing a face covering.

Her masks are still available to the public through her website, deannegilson.com.