Summary of Experiences in Mixed Media

Summary of my experiences in Mixed Media....

I enjoyed Amie's class and the experiences she shared with us. This is the first graduate class I have been in where we actually took a field trip to galleries. One of my favorite experiences was visiting the Try-Me gallery and meeting the Royalls. What a privilege to hear them talk about their collection and the stories behind some of the pieces! I am very thankful for having had that opportunity. An experience I was nervous about: I had never done a blog prior to this class. Amie pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am glad to have done the blog because now I have documentation of my work and references to pull from which will also aide in writing my thesis. I will continue to post on my blog as it will be a helpful tool for my thesis. A frustrating experience: This would probably be keeping up with producing work as well as posting in the weekly blog outside of teaching. It was also a challenge to put together an artist statement. I am glad to finally have a statement that fits my body of work. Something that inspired me: discovering new artists and videos to attach to my research links. I LOVE reading Janet Bote's blog as well as her work that is inspired by nature. This is an artist that is new to me. I came across her work while researching artists that use nature in their work. I also appreciate the many different examples of artists Amie shared with us in class as well as on the blog throughout this semester. 

It is a good feeling to finally see and feel my body of work coming together. A new discovery that has impacted my work: Amie helped me look at different ways I can display and arrange my pieces. She also communicated to me the need to discover which process I love the most and go with that. At first I was all over the map, trying various techniques. This advice was very helpful; I discovered I liked trying out different ways of applying and taking away the modeling paste. I plan on continuing: various processes with modeling paste and found objects. Amie, thanks for a great learning experience!

Notes from the Critique

Below are my notes from our class critique:

Michelle

You were very busy painting your smaller pieces in the last week before our critique! Your color palette is so different than mine but I love seeing the complimentary colors together in your work. I wonder if you have always been drawn to that color palette? Your work is very dimensional; I want to rub my hands across it. As an artist you do a great job displaying light and shadow. It was interesting to see how you create the layers by ripping and stapling onto the canvas. Keep in touch so I can come to your show!

Betsy

The work you did in Amie’s class was different from what I saw you do in Sally’s class. I believe your larger pieces could easily be displayed with the smaller work. Your distressed surfaces and repetitive patterns were gorgeous! Loved that manmade antique look you gave your pieces. As you are finishing up the program please keep in touch!

Merenda

Wow! Your work could be displayed so many different ways. I was loving the idea of having the window floating out in front of the house you created. Perhaps you could build some shelves to display work on too. This would help pull the viewer’s eye from the box shape of the house. Your smaller monoprint pieces inside the sectioned wooden box were so interesting. I enjoyed looking at each one individually and think you should display some by themselves. Best of luck as you pursue getting into the program; hope to see you again soon.

Liz

I have not done much with photo transfer in my work so I was fascinated by your technique. The last piece you displayed on the far right definitely stood out from the others. It has a flowing composition and layers that draw the viewer in. The blue wash dripping down the piece has a nice effect. I would recommend pushing back the residue from the transferred text so it becomes more a part of the piece. I know you ran into some technical difficulties this semester. For your next class maybe you could work smaller and produce more images; that may put you closer to where you would like to be with your work.

Cheryl

Your paintings have become cohesive over the course of these past few weeks. We have watched you grow more and more confident in your process. That last week before the critique you really busted some work out! You should think back on the circumstances and environment that you were working in. Were you thinking less and working more quickly? Were you working on more than one piece at a time? Whatever you were doing was successful! I loved the last pieces you did with the seagulls and the diptych. Hope to see you in another class!

Happy

When I see your work I want to pull out all the little treasures I have collected and make some art. Your work is so much fun! It is amazing how beautiful the Xeroxes of your pieces turned out. I always want to look closer at your work. You do an awesome job at tricking the viewer with your drawings that look 3-D. Your last pieces really hit it home by using minimal supplies yet having the same effect you were going for with the earlier pieces. It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope our paths cross again!

　

Revised Artist Statement

Artist Statement

Hope Harding

My process is instinctive, the materials guide me each step of the way. I may begin putting down a preliminary surface and covering it with another, then scratching into it or wiping away only to start again. The textural surfaces become, in a sense, the most important part. They bring me back to nature: the dusty earth, the wind against my skin or the smell of salt water in the air.


As I explore multiple mediums and ways of applying as well as attaching them, I discover new things unfolding in my work. It becomes even more personal when I add a found object picked up along a walk or journey. The object is embedded forever into the painting, capturing a memory.


I want people to be drawn in, to look closer and possibly want to touch the work in hope that it evokes a familiar feeling or sense of place for them.

Final pieces: Mixed Media Painting with Amie Oliver Fall 2013

Untitled #1,2,3,4 pieces by Hope Harding 6 x 6 inch Modeling paste/Acrylic/Found objects/Mixed Media

Untitled #5 and #6 by Hope Harding 6 x 6 inch Modeling paste/Fiber paste/Acrylic/Yarn/Textured wallpaper

Untitled # 7, 8, 9 10 pieces by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inches Acrylic/Modeling Paste/Gel/Fused Glass/String

Untitled #11 and 12 by Hope Harding 8 x 10 inches Acrylic/Mixed Media/Modeling paste

Untitled #13 by Hope Harding 8 x 10 inch Modeling paste/Acrylic/Mixed Media

Untitled #14 by Hope Harding 8 x 10  inch Modeling paste/Acrylic/Caran d'ache

Untitled # 15 and 16 by Hope Harding 5 x 7 inches Modeling paste/Gel paste/Acrylic

Untitled #17 by Hope Harding 5 x 7 inch Acrylic Wash/Matte Medium/Modeling paste

Side view of Untitiled # 17

Untitled #18 by Hope Harding 12 x 4 inch Glass/Acrylic/Modeling paste

Untitled #19 by Hope Harding 8 x 10 inch Acrylic/Modeling paste/Lint/String

Untitled #20 by Hope Harding 8 x 10 inch Acrylic/Modeling paste/Lint/Charcoal pencil

Untitled #21 by Hope Harding 8 x 10 inch Acrylic/Modeling paste/Metal/Chalk

Untitled #22 by Hope Harding 5 x 7 inch Acrylic/Fiber Paste/Matte Medium

Thoughts on Artist Mitchell Gaudet

Some of Mitchell's work reminded me of pieces I have seen by Jude Schlotzhauer, a local Richmond glass artist. For example this cast piece, in which he uses a head and objects from nature such as seashells:

"Thetis" Cast Glass
24 x 36 x 12 inches
1999
by: Mitchell Gaudet



He reminds us that art can be used as an outlet for expressing emotions or working through trying times in our lives. Mitchell talks about using glass as a way of working out the things he experienced from Katrina. Very intriguing!

Artist Statement: Marissa Starr

 

Inspiration for my work stems from the curiosity I have regarding pattern formation in the context of the colors, textures and forms that occur in my surroundings. The subject matter that interests me is broad and may be anything from decomposing elements such as tree bark and foliage to a random arrangement of objects. These arrangements usually acquire an interesting distribution of color, conflicting textures and size variation. I am intrigued by the way these elements come together spatially and temporally.

In order to maintain variety, I do not limit myself to a particular medium. Painting primarily on a wood panel gives me a solid starting point, and allows me to develop my work with materials such as concrete, acrylic, oil, fabric, resin and pieces of earth. The experimentation process that I permit in my work is very important. The interactions of the media I use answer questions about their properties and inform me about interesting qualities that I incorporate into my work. I allow the media to develop their natural characteristics while being applied and further manipulate areas to emphasize additional textures, create movement, or dramatize depth within the piece.

I enjoy producing non-representational work. With this style, I feel that I allow the viewer to develop his or her own interpretation without placing limitations on their definitions and descriptions of my paintings. I intend to leave one with a renewed curiosity regarding their surroundings and a new sense of wonder about the seemingly ordinary.

Mixed Media by Marissa Starr

 http://www.marissastarr.com/ 

 

Artists Inspired By Nature....

Artwork by Janet Botes

"Hemispheres", Mixed media on wood, 248 x 198mm each, 2013

Artwork by Ruth Sacks

“Pastel Atmospheric” © 2007 
24” x 24” x 2” encaustic paint and oil stick on birch panel

Artists Relevant to my Work

Of the artists looked at during this semester's course, the artist I have found most interesting thus far is Tanja Softic. Her imagery and earthy color palette relate closely to some of my work. I am drawn to her birds, nests and organic shapes. I like her use of line to create shadow or to tie in separate images side by side another. Her drawings and photos on mylar tell a story with no single focal point. After watching the video clip, I connected with how she described the way she works as an artist, "letting the process tell you" and "at some point you have to abandon your initial idea or sketch no matter how elaborate."
When creating my pieces I feel as if they are speaking to me, telling me how they want to evolve. As Softic said, "...it becomes a conversation between the artwork and yourself."

The artist I found the most disconnect with between my work and their work was Amy Chan. It is her use of bright color and selection of imagery that feels very opposite of mine. I found some of her pieces to be visually overloaded with too many different things happening, having no connection with one another. There is a lot of energy in her work which does not leave much room for the eye to rest upon any given spot. Though I can appreciate the level of depth she creates in some of her most recent pieces.

Work In Progress...

Untitled #1 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Might work on the sides a bit but I'm liking this 'as is' for now, will sit with it for now.

Untitled #2 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 12 x 4 inches

                                              Artist Notes: I am feeling like this one is done...

Untitled #3 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

                         Artist Notes: I am sitting with this one right now; have not decided if it is done yet.

Untitled #4 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Since last critique I went over the top with a dark brown wash to rub into grooves giving it more of an antique look. Not sure what else to do with this piece at this point....
This is the piece that has words loosely written along the outer sides.

Untitled #5 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic and Crackle Paste 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Still need to add copper touches to some of the sides.

Untitled #6 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Fiber paste with sewn pieces of embroidery 6x6 inches

Artist Notes: I went back over top texture with white acrylic to push out the contrasting blue with white. Sides need more work.

Untitled #7 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 12x12 inch

Artist Notes: This is a former piece in which I completely covered over the top with a white acrylic wash and wiped away in order to push back the colors and make them unified. I am really liking the effect of the colors peeking through. Still need to work on the sides and am thinking of having them a stark white instead of wrapping the color around...

Untitled #8 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 6x6 inch

Artist Notes: I still need to punch out the colors on the sides by going in and darkening them up a bit to connect with top better.

Untitled #9 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 6x6 inches

Artist Notes: Still need to work on the sides; a little too washed out.

Untitled # 10 Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Fiber Paste 5x7 inches

Artist Notes: I am really loving the bottom of this piece and the way it looks like ripples or layers. This is currently one of my favorite pieces. I feel like it's done. Can you see the feather imprints?

Untitled #11 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Pumice Gel 5x7 inches

Artist Notes: I went back in and darkened the sides of this piece to finish it off. 

Pre/Post Gallery Response

Our upcoming class time will be spent gallery hopping. 

Prior to going I have been checking out the current collections online. I pinned two artists whose work I am anxious to see up close and personal: Pam Anderson for the way she uses mixed media and the stitching in her most recent pieces and Cindy Neuschwander for the way the edges of her pieces are just as important and interesting as the pieces themselves.

"Malignant Spring" by Pam Anderson mixed media 28x36x3 inches

                                                             @ Page Bond Gallery

"Emma's Dilemma" by Cindy Neuschwander mixed media 30x30x4 inches

                                                                 @Try-Me Gallery


Last class we checked out the Reynolds Gallery, Page Bond Gallery, The Visual Arts Center, the Try-Me Gallery and The Linden Row Inn. It was a pleasure to meet the down-to-earth Royalls, owners of the Try-Me gallery and have the opportunity to see some of their contemporary art collection. It is wonderful to know there are people out there who truly have a passion for art and for helping support local Richmond artists.

During the gallery visits I was able to see the two noted artists above, Cindy Neuschwander and Pam Anderson's work up close. I was surprised to see both artists pay close attention to the edges of their work, incorporating them as part of the piece by continuing the design or adding words that relate to the piece. I did not realize the edges would be so much a part of Pam's work. I have tried this with some of my mixed media glass pieces that are in boxes, as well as some of my canvases. This technique is something I would like to continue in my current work. Pam placed her pieces inside boxes after painting the background and sides of the box to collaborate with them. I love the idea of putting smaller pieces inside boxes. I have been collecting various boxes and would like to somehow incorporate them with my mixed media work. The use of words in Pam's pieces also interested me, as I like to use words in my work also.

More ideas to come, as well as posts of my current work in progress!



Samples from 24 experiments in Amie Oliver's Mixed Media Class Fall 2013

As I have been working on my 24 experimental pieces, I have become most excited about using various paste mediums for surface treatments. I plan on continuing to use other media such as and not limited to: caran d’ache, acrylic paints, oil pastels, graphite and paste mediums in order to create textural foundations for my paintings.

My process usually starts by putting down a preliminary surface and covering it with another, then I scratch into or wipe away the top layer which leaves a pattern of antiquing or reveals an under layer of color. I want to explore more sgraffito techniques paired up next to different fibers, textured wallpapers, paste mediums and found materials used as inclusions. Nature, form, texture, composition and pattern will be my guide. I also plan to look into the decorative arts as well as the work of artist Edda Renouf from the 50 x 50 show at the VMFA.

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4x6 inch acrylic on textured brayer with found object

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint with texture

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint with pen

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint with modeling paste 

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic Monoprint

Untitled pieces by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Textured Wallpaper with Acrylic wash

Untitled pieces by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint, watercolor, modeling paste, found objects

Untitled pieces by Hope Harding 4 x 6 inch Acrylic paint, modeling paste, found objects

Untitiled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic/stamping technique

Untitled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Monoprint with Acrylic

Untitled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic/stamping technique

Untitled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic/stamping technique

Untitled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic stamping technique

Untitled by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic paint/Caran d'ache

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Painted and fused glass with acrylic

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic/Gel Medium/Rocks/Stenciling

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Acrylic/Glass Bead Media

Untitled piece by Hope Harding 4 x 4 inch Modeling paste/Acrylic/Glass Frit stamping technique

Untitled pieces by Hope Harding  4 x 4 inches Watercolor/Acrylic Mixed Media