Mixed media is exactly what it sounds like: using more than one type of media to creat a piece of art. So, you might be doing a painting in acrylic and decide to add some line work with oil pastels or ink. Or maybe you have some tissue paper painted with black and white shapes and you decide those will add contrast in your design. There are a lot of possibilities with mixed media.
Collage has many possibilities too but it’s not always mixed media. You can create a collage just with photos, or just with paper, or you can use a variety of art media, textiles, or found objects. Now we’re talking endless possibilities.
Limits Can Be Helpful
When I create I like to give myself a few limits because it allows intuitive flow by reducing decision making. So when creating this mixed media collage I started with a simple line drawing. Then I cut up Gelli prints that I had previously made into the shapes of the leaves (or half the leaf) of this plant.
At a certian point I decided not to use Gelli prints for the whole image, but to paint the other half of the leaves with acrylic paint. When the collage of the plant was done I realized it needed a background other than white paper, so I cut it out from the white paper. I created a soft wispy watercolor background and after it dried I glued the collaged plant onto it.
Creative pace and processing
None of these decisions were planned out ahead of time because I believe that reponding to each stage of the work is the best way to let the creative juices flow.
- I responded to the line drawing with Gelli prints.
- I responded to the Gelli prints with acrylic paint.
- I responded to the finished plant image with a watercolor background and finishing touches.
Although it sounds quite simple, and it is… I didn’t do it all in one session. I do things a little at a time over a period of days, sometimes weeks, giving myself time between each session to observe, feel, and process what I’m creating. I let it talk to me so I can respond.
Some people may process faster and do things quickly and that’s fine. Everyone’s different and I allow myself to go at my own pace because that’s what works for me.
Some things to consider:
Are you a slow or fast processor?
Do you prefer to plan things out or work spontaniously?
Do you start with a fixed idea or are you open to possibilities?
Can you be flexible with expectations and outcomes?
Will you allow yourself time to enjoy the process?
Heart Beat of the Soul 