It’s a hot topic. Many people seem confused by it. Here’s my take:

I have developed a 3 point litmus test for cultural appropriation: Context, Consent and Equity.
Is the design shown in an appropriate context; is it not disrespectful of the original source?
Is the design something that culture has given consent to share?
Are the profits and credit shared with the originators of the design in a way that is fair and equitable to all parties?

If the answer to any of the above 3 questions is “no” it’s probably cultural appropriation.If all three questions are “yes” then it isn’t, it’s probably cultural exchange.

See it here! Look how their fur blows seductively in the wind!

A review for Floyd Collins at La Mirada from 2014!

The above-ground action, staged with a stylized surrealism, works better: Balloons are sold, tall tales are told, and three newspaper hacks suddenly perform in tight harmony as a vaudeville act. One actor, Michael Byrne, plays multiple roles and keeps appearing in new costumes (by Kara McLeod) at a speed that defies explanation.

Read the whole review here

I recently completed a project for a commercial that involved building these 4 walkabout heads, based on the company logo. The faces are blank because the features will be animated in during post.

Two years ago, I met Deb Bell at a conference. She told me she was putting together a book about Masquerade and I pitched a topic to her. Now you can buy the book, with my essay on Halloween as the American masquerade in it!

http://www.amazon.com/Masquerade-Essays-Tradition-Innovation-Worldwide-ebook/dp/B00R8K7Y5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420232240&sr=8-1&keywords=masquerade+essays