future project ideas

With spring semester fast approaching, i've been thinking about future projects and where my research is going. I have finally established my own style and i think i should go with it instead of trying to come up with completely different ideas like the one i had earlier about researching old medical instruments. I want to some how connect my korean heritage with my american life. I'd really like to make a statement about my experience being a korean adoptee. It's something that makes me different and it's almost a way for me to work out/ heal issues that i've had to deal with. 

Today I was thinking about ancient masks, their meaning, uses, styles, etc. I looked up korean masks but once again i've come across the dilemma of little information out there. No books and most of the info is very vague. The carved wood masks are beautiful in the contours and forms they take. The craftsmanship of the ancient ones are admirable but there are thousands of  cheap replicas out there today made for key chains, magnets, touristy trinkets, etc.

i've also been looking at other examples of masks/ face

 armor/helmets from other cultures and times. It's so interesting how each culture had their own version of masks. I think the greek/roman face armor and helmets are interesting and are always a general  point of interest. There's a lot of images and information out there about them. Also, masquerade masks are always admired for their beauty. I've always had a set of masquerade masks on my bedroom wall that i thought were the prettiest things, i loved them and still have them. People are obsessed with them, i think because they were used to hide identities at balls. There's a playful, sexual mystery and allure about them.

Not really sure where this could go but i was inspired by what i learned in my raising and forging class. Now that i kind of know how metal moves i'd love to try and make something other than a vessel.