MIS Studio- Hope Harding: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

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!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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.