When altering a book, start with small booklets. - JMG
Bring mixed-media arts back into the foray by following the simple steps and ideas outlined in this article.
For a number of reasons, artists stray from their work. This is not uncommon, but can be a problem when an artist wants to get back into their work. In this case, mixed-media artists are the focus. How to get back into mixed-media arts is a challenge for some, and that is okay. Take a look at these ideas to help the work flow begin again:
- Start an art journal challenge: Rather than participating in a group activity, which could be overwhelming for those just getting back into their work, start an independent art journal challenge. This challenge could be working in the art journal once per day, completing a page spread once per week and so on.
- Begin a new mixed-media painting: Staring at a blank canvas is ominous for some, and causes artist’s block for others. Start by throwing anything – anything at all – on to the canvas. Try swirling on some paint in random patterns. Attempt the beginnings of an assemblage collage. Cut out squares or circles in random areas, and affix items that poke through or show through the canvas.
- Work on an ATC: Some mixed-media artists absolutely love the idea of working on such a small piece of art. These 3.5” x 2.5” artists’ trading cards can be completed in one sitting, and the instant gratification allows for the mixed-media artist to complete more work in no time! Consider starting a trade with other artist friends in hopes to keep the work flowing on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Create an altered book: Even the act of choosing a book to alter allows mixed-media artists to get back into their work. Not only is this act inspiring for that particular project, but it tends to spur on ideas for other projects. For example, art journal work and altered book work tends to mirror themselves to each other very well. So, one project could easily play off the other. This is also true for artist trading cards because mixed-media artists could make niches or pockets within the altered book to contain these small pieces of art.
- Visit a gallery: Sometimes the simple act of looking at another artist’s work brings on the inspiration needed for a mixed-media artist to get back into their own work. These galleries could be a brick-and-mortar experience, or one that is presented online on a website. Either way, embrace the art world in some way in an effort to help projects come back into the foray.
There are a number of ways, as listed above, to get back into mixed-media arts. For those artists who work completely independently without much contact with other artists, the list above is a wonderful start. Not only does it outline ways for mixed-media artists to embrace getting back into their work independently, but there are also ways to work with other artists should the desire be there.
Copyright Jenn Greenleaf. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
