Rising Through Art:
The Spirit Masks of Randy Rasmussen

Randy Rasmussen is a Boise-based mixed-media artist whose work explores transformation, materiality, and the quiet power of becoming airborne.

Rooted in a lifelong engagement with movement, music, and form, Rasmussen’s artistic practice is guided by an admiration for beauty and life, and an enduring fascination with birds. Across his body of work, themes of flight and freedom emerge not as spectacle, but as contemplative gestures, inviting viewers into moments of reflection and elevation.

As Rasmussen describes it:

“A lover of beauty, a lover of life, and passionate about birds. After working hard to get airborne, soaring is effortless. I hope that my art lets the viewer soar.”

That philosophy carries through every piece, shaping work that feels both grounded and quietly expansive.

Materials as Language

Rasmussen approaches his materials intuitively, allowing each element to inform the direction of a piece. While feathers often serve as a visual and symbolic anchor, his work also incorporates silk, gourds, beadwork, bone, and horn.

Rather than imposing rigid concepts, Rasmussen responds to what is present:

“I work with materials as they are presented and have used gourds, beadwork, bone and horn, many materials in addition to feathers.”

This material-driven process lends his work a tactile presence. Texture, balance, and layering become central to the experience, encouraging viewers to slow down and engage with each piece beyond its surface.

The result is a collection of works that blend craftsmanship with quiet spirituality, offering space for contemplation and connection.

The Spirit Masks

At the center of Rasmussen’s practice are his Spirit Masks, which he considers his finest and most personal creations.

“The masks shown are the finest work I have done” Rasmussen shares.

Each mask is constructed as a meditative form, often resembling mandalas in their symmetry and rhythm. Layers of feather and fabric create depth, while subtle shifts in color and texture suggest movement and transformation. These works function as both sculptural objects and symbolic vessels, reflecting inward journeys and states of becoming.

It is through the Spirit Masks that his artistic language is most fully realized.

Featured Work: Risen

Risen is one of Randy Rasmussen’s most personal Spirit Masks, created with feather on leather, mineral, and shell.

The piece began with a silhouette, which Rasmussen later transformed through layered materials and meaning. Inspired by the story of a woman who endured life-threatening illness and ultimately rose through it, Risen reflects a journey from darkness into wisdom, compassion, and love.

As Rasmussen describes, deeper dives bring greater depths of understanding and emotion. Expectations fall away, leaving no destination, no grief, only love. The figure stands with arms raised in gratitude to the radiant sun, embodying surrender, resilience, and becoming.

Moonstone beads and Dentalium shells form a crown of thorns, softened by feminine energy. Feathers reveal early stages of the work, allowing viewers to glimpse the evolution beneath the surface. Only through this process can the full beauty of Risen emerge.

For Rasmussen, the piece represents transformation itself, honoring both struggle and release, and inviting viewers to reflect on their own capacity to rise.

Experiencing Randy Rasmussen at Create Gallery and Frames

Rasmussen’s work is best experienced in person, where scale, texture, and material nuance fully reveal themselves.

His creations offer more than visual interest. They provide moments of stillness, transformation, and quiet elevation.

At Create Gallery and Frames, his mixed-media works are thoughtfully curated within a calm, welcoming environment designed to encourage close looking and meaningful engagement. Experience his Spirit Masks works in person. Visitors are invited to explore each piece at their own pace, allowing space for reflection and discovery. Discover art that speaks through material, form, and presence.

Create Gallery and Frames

3520 W. Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID 83714

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 AM-6 PM

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest at @creategalleryandframes for artist highlights, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes moments.