mixed media printmaking

Consider not knowing – OK

artist book, mixed media printmaking / /

Often I like to know how things are going to play out.

  • How the impression will print
  • How the marks will work together
  • How the colors will combine

black out poem

But this wanting to know ahead of time can stifle creative exploration. So I try to remind myself to:

“Let go and see what happens. It is only a piece of paper.”

gelatin monotype

When I can suspend the need to know and embrace the attitude of play, then new ideas often show up. It can take some time and warm up exercises to move beyond the need to know. That is one reason that I love the gelatin printmaking process. It is easy to grab:

  • a couple of stencils
  • stamping tools and
  • a stack of paper and start printing.

The feedback I get is immediate and I can quickly adjust my approach to change the results. I say if I get 2 out of 10 prints that I like then that is a success.

artist book

What about you? Do you allow yourself the space and time to venture into the unknown? Try it out next printing session and see what happens.

enzo in artist book

Check out the self study workshops that are available now. And jump into creating and not knowing.

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Try something new or different

collage, drawings, inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

I have been making painted pages and collages lately. It is a bit new and different for me.

mixed media collage

Experimenting with a new technique or material can breathe new life into your art making practice. It might be a great way to stimulate ideas for your next series or project.

collaged houses

Or you could find a way to integrate new skills into your traditional practice.

gelatin print on painted book page

Are you inspired by images that you see online? Ask yourself what is the quality that you admire and then see if there is a way to bring that quality into your work.

It could be:

  • the subject matter
  • the shape, color or simplicity or
  • the medium or format

I encourage you today play with something new or different and then notice if it stimulates something in your practice.

An art class is one way to try something new, check out the current workshops and see if any are a good fit for you.

mixed media collage

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Get closer

inspiration, mixed media printmaking / /

On my daily walks, I often take a few steps off the path to get closer to a tree, some moss, or a branch.

walk by the lake

I think, if I pause and really notice nature it will give me ideas for my art making.

look up a tree

I often have my phone available to take pictures. I want to remember the colors, texture and mood that I am feeling.  Sometimes I can capture the moment, but often the photo is lacking.

So I decided to savor the time in the woods and not to worry about bringing it back to the studio. The daily walk can inform my mark making rather than be a photographic reference.

beautiful decaying tree

Getting super close to textures and patterns turns the everyday into abstraction. This can spark creative ideas. These ideas don’t have to be literal or linear.

That is where I got the idea to create the mixed media class, Torn Trees.  After being surrounded be trees on my walks, decided to play with printing some. My first inspiration was the tall pine trees with nubby branches that stand on the hill by the lake.

pine trees by the lake

These abstract tree prints are about using shape, line and texture to create a feel of the forest.  I suggest that you get closer to nature in your day and see what it does for your creativity.

abstract trees - gelatin plate print

If you would like to play with printing, collaging and drawing to make abstract forests, then check out the details on the Torn Trees Workshop page.

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Sorting Art Stuff

mixed media printmaking / /

Does your art space feel like a safe haven of creativity?

studio inspiration

Do you love the tools and art work that fills the space? Or are there supplies that feel burdensome, but you are keeping them “just in case”?

mark making tools

I have mixed emotions about the state of my studio. There are corners and tables that feel good and then there are boxes, bins and materials that I want to let go of. But for some reason I keep putting if off.

I want the process to be one of self compassion and self care. I would like to find “homes” for some tools and supplies, but maybe it is just junk.

angel cards

The whole studio seems like a big task, so I thought I could tackle one box or bench or shelf. But that has not happened yet. Spring is a good time to sort and make way for new life.

In addition, to studio shape up, I have been working on a new class, Torn Trees – a mixed media printmaking workshop. Check out the details.

torn trees a mixed media workshop

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Tear, sew, burn and bind

book arts, collage, combined techniques, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

Do you have a pile of paper or prints that you are willing to transform with:

  • tearing into collage shapes
  • sew with or without thread
  • burn or smoke stain and
  • bind or fold into books?

collage on children's board book

If so, then you might enjoy the Mixed Media Retreat, and online class starting soon.

Tear, burn and stitch mixed media art

The class is designed to introduce ideas and techniques into your practice that will transform your papers and prints into books and mixed media prints.

collage with gelatin prints

Each lesson includes:

  1. A simple mark making prompt
  2. A textural layering technique
  3. A book form for reshaping prints and papers
  4. An artist talk to stimulate the mind.

You can get more details and register on the workshop page.

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