The process most often involves a series of exploration sessions including interview of lifestyle preferences, guided visualizations, dream recall, and “going under the plaster”. From these sessions together, we uncover the essence and special meanings that emerge to become part of the finished sculpture that is your life mask.

The finished piece is usually created in ceramic stoneware with mixed media applications.

Having your own life mask sculpture created for you in this way is a very powerful and transformative process. I enter into this process with you from a place of awe for the beauty and mystery of your unique identity and life journey.

Cost varies (starting: $700 and depending on materials and special requests) Please email me for details, or you might like to start by purchasing my new DVD: How to Make a Life Mask! which shows details of mask-making as well as a gallery of my work and national TV interview (55min).


ronda making the life cast mold of Beatrice Wood (at age 101)


Jeanne's Dream: Commissioned Life Mask in Progress.


Lt.Col'n F.Noyes at 100 yrs. Commissioned mask.

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WEEKEND WORKSHOPS:

Workshops in mask-making include individual apprentice programs, one and three-day group intensives here in California, or by arrangement in your area (8 or more people for a weekend in your area) - Cost varies depending on group size, travel, theme etc. Check out my private spiritual retreat and artistan salon (OjaiSoulArts.com) or email me with interests and for details.

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Artist's' Background:
ronda larue is a social psychologist and ceremonial sculptor. She has a masters of science degree in Social Psychology Research and grew up in an artist's home where she began teaching individuals privately and in groups in ceramics at age 16.

Ronda currently lives in the artisan and spiritualists community of Ojai, California where she works as a researcher, professional artist, and workshop facilitator.

In her California studio, Ronda creates unique sculptural works in clay, bronze and mixed media. Exploring the sensualness, soulfulness, and (often) social humor of the human condition, Ronda’s formal training as a social psychologist is reflected in her often poignant but playful commentary pieces, and in her more recent large installations (Remote Voyeur, 1998 & Dreaming the unVeiling, 1999). See some of Ronda's other art works here.

Ronda’s work in mask-making has been featured on the nationally syndicated TV Carol Duvall Show (Home & Garden). She shows and sells her work primarily from her studio or internet direct. Her works are in private collections throughout the U.S. and overseas.

To inquire about her workshops, commissioning her to make your Dream Mask portraiture, or to learn more about studio visits or her other art works, please e-mail:

Artist's Statement:
"I have always been fascinated by the intricacies and motivations of human nature, our socio-cultural roles and "rules", and questions of evolution of consciousness.

The mask in particular is a theme that I find endlessly powerful as a key for exploring, unraveling and reveling in the Great Mysteries of Life and living well. It is an honor and a privilege for me facilitate in others the experience of making their own Life-Mask; be it for art, self-discovery, healing, or whimsy... The spirit of the mask is an awesome journey ..."

A showing of Ronda's figurative bronzes, commentary sculpture, sacred vessels and other art works and writings can be viewed by clicking here.

For those interested in a private spiritual retreat incorporating soul work, spiritual counsel, and the arts, please visist: OjaiSoulArts.com

Share Your Experiences:
I am very interested in your experience and insights with the mask making process -- and I am especially interested in hearing about any meaningful experiences or discoveries you had as a result of making a Life Mask...

So please feel free to e-mail me and share your experience. *(Please note: I will assume, unless otherwise stated by you, that I may use any comments you send me in this website and/or possible future published materials, so please indicate your name as you prefer it sited, or anonymous).

After more than 20 years of mask making and thousands of emails since my first TV interview as a master mask-maker, I'm very excited to offer the video DVD which shows in easy detail, just how to do all aspects of making a plaster life mask on your own.  I will also be soon publishing an e-book that will be a good companion to this DVD: How to Make a Life Mask! for ceremony, theatre, casting and more.

I'm also hoping to create a Life Mask Gallery, where you can post your finished mask if you'd like to share it with others on my site. Stay tuned....and I wish you a blessed journey of self-discovery through the process of mask making!