American artist finds her inspiration in Japanese culture – only to have that inspiration reciprocated.

In a turn of events, usually reserved for only the best literary devices, a shy American artist has found herself catapulted into the spotlight of Japanese culture. Andrea Massé-Tognetti, an independent artist known for her unusual craft of handmade leather masks, or “wearable art” according to her fans, suddenly found her work to be the focal point of a very popular Japanese stage production after a serendipitous encounter.

Inspired by her love of Japanese culture, and a fondness for the TV show, “Sasuke” (or “Ninja Warrior,” as it is know in the U.S.) Massé-Tognetti sent the producer of the show, Higuchi-san of Monster 9, one of her signature handmade leather masks. Higuchi-san, who is also responsible for the wildly popular Japanese stage production, “Muscle Musical,” an equivalent to “Cirque du Soliel” here in the U.S., was so impressed with Andrea’s careful work and attention to Japanese culture, he immediately created a brand-new stage production, entirely focused around her work, called, “Magicarade.”

What followed was a whirlwind adventure as Andrea was whisked away to Japan to meet her inspiration: the people of “Ninja Warrior” and the country of Japan. “My father raised me to love Japan. He gave me a copy of Musashi's "Book Of Five Rings" on the day I graduated from high school,” said Massé-Tognetti. “All his life, he loved the art and the culture of Japan but he never once had the chance to go there himself. This opportunity fulfills both our dreams.”

Part of this whirlwind adventure included an astonishing request for work as Massé-Tognetti managed to complete 45 one-of-a-kind masks in less than three weeks for the new Muscle Musical production; a near impossible task that Massé-Tognetti managed to finish under schedule. “As far as I know, nobody does what I do. I’m completely self-taught, so there was no one else to help me,” said Massé-Tognetti. “I basically worked non-stop until I was done. What else could I have done with such a wonderful opportunity?”

The work itself is truly unique. As a self-taught leather-worker, Andrea creates intricately carved masks from industrial-grade leather, which she then shapes by hand while applying heat. The result, completely unique, highly detailed, and surprisingly sturdy leather masks that are then hand-painted with an artist’s touch.

When asked about the unbelievable luck involved that took a relatively unknown artist halfway around the world Andrea said, “My brother says that there is no such thing as luck; that "luck" is when preparation meets opportunity. If that is true, then I have been preparing all my life for this opportunity and my father is the person who prepared me. I feel like I am fulfilling his greatest dream by doing this work.”

Muscle Musical’s Magicarade is in Tokyo, Japan at the Shibuya Muscle Theater from 10/25/2008 until 12/14/2008.

Andrea Massé-Tognetti’s exceptional work, that includes wall sculpture and accessories, is available online via her Etsy site.

For information on Andrea Massé-Tognetti and her work, or to inquire about custom work, please contact her via email at: merimask@aol.com

For more styles visit: http://www.seekingdesigners.com/merimask