Papier Mâché Masks By Jym Davis Take Flight In Mystical Elegance

Jym Davis, an artist known for his haunting bat masks, has been making his unique creations since 2014. Self-taught in three-dimensional sculpting, Jym uses heavy papers, papier-mâché, acrylic paints, and inks to construct masks that blur the lines between folklore and nature. Reflecting on his beginnings, he explains, “I’ve always had an interest in masks, but I did not make my own until December 2014. I have no formal training in three-dimensional sculpting, so, in regards to mask-making, I am self-taught. Because of this, my first masks were very poorly made. But, I will say, I still use the same materials today that I did way back in 2014.”

Image source: Jym Davis

Inspired by Photography Projects and Folklore

Jym’s path into mask-making began with his photography. Frustrated with store-bought masks, he found himself drawn to creating something uniquely his own. “I initially began making masks as props for photography projects. I got bored with store-bought masks and wanted to create something more weird and organic looking,” he says. His early experiments proved intriguing, and he was captivated by the timelessness his masks possessed. “Papier-mâché is, of course, a very old technique. It goes back to the Egyptians and probably long before them. I really like ancient art-making techniques. It connects your practice to a timeless quality.”

Image source: Jym Davis

The Creative Process: A Fusion of Instinct and Animal Forms

Jym’s creative process is grounded in a fluid approach, beginning with sketches and evolving organically. “I begin with a drawing or watercolor sketch. I have about four or five basic shapes to choose from when beginning a mask sculpt. Most of those shapes are based on animal skulls. Then I build out ears or horns—whatever inspires me on that particular day,” he explains. Although his designs are often inspired by specific animals, he has recently leaned toward abstraction, crafting shapes that evoke a more primal aesthetic.

Image source: Jym Davis

A World of Mythological Characters

For Jym, his masks are more than art—they are part of a larger collection of mythological characters he envisions. “I see my work as a personal story inspired by ancient folklore. My masks, outfits, and sculptures use materials from old traditions, like ribbons, bells, flowers, horns, and bright paints,” he says. Jym’s creations reflect the folk customs of the British Isles, which resonate with his memories of growing up in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In his world, folklore comes alive in characters like the Flood Birds, “strange bird-like creatures,” and the Morph Angels, inspired by moths and butterflies. “I view my work as a different reality, where old festivals have changed into new forms with new stories,” he adds.

This cast of figures, including Green Men, Deer People, and Bat People, draws deeply from old English and European folklore. “My creations are part of a larger project that I call a ‘collection of mythological characters,’” he explains.

Image source: Jym Davis

A Career in Conservation and Artistic Exploration

Jym’s work reaches beyond his masks, spanning conservation-themed art and an impressive exhibition record. His work has been showcased at The California Nature Art Museum, The Swan Coach House in Atlanta, and The Sage Art Center in Wyoming, among others. His solo show at Day & Night Projects in Atlanta earned notable recognition from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of 2021’s highlights. As a National Park Artist-in-Residence since 2016, Jym has contributed his art at Big Cypress Preserve in Florida, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, Craters of the Moon Monument in Idaho, and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. His work in residency, featured by the National Endowment for the Arts, speaks to his dedication to nature and preservation.

Jym also leads the Art Department at Reinhardt University as the Endowed Chair and has gained a strong online following under the pseudonym FALSE FACE, amassing over 300,000 followers on Instagram.

Image source: Jym Davis

Merging Tradition and Imagination

Through his work, Jym Davis brings an ancient art form into a modern context, creating a space where old festivals and myths find new life. His masks, rooted in folklore and animal imagery, invite viewers into an imaginative universe where “old festivals have changed into new forms with new stories.” For Jym, every mask is an extension of a time-honored tradition, crafted by hand and steeped in a spirit of creative exploration.