Mixed media collage is kind of like doodling with paper, fabric and found elements. When I don’t have a picture in my head trying to get out, I find collage a relaxing, almost Zen like activity that gets the creative juices flowing.
When my muse is tapping on my brain with a message or image the flexibility of mixed media is my first choice. The possibilities are endless .
I still remember the first collage I made. I was in grade school. We had been given bits of fabric, paper, and ‘stuff’, and were told to let our imaginations go. I created a landscape of fantastic flowers with a woman in a long dress in it, and had a wonderful time.
In 2007 I took a intense week long workshop with Carrie Burns-Brown, who is a lovely Southern Woman, and amazing mixed media artist. Her influence added the element of manipulated paper to my collage. Manipulated paper, starts life as artist grade tissue, which is then coloured, stamped, textured, and embellished, only to be ripped and torn apart and reassembled as collage. These are some of my favourite pieces, just because they’re fun.
Recently I've added my own twist to Carries manipulated papers, I've discovered that if I paint an image on the tissue (not the easiest support to work on) and layer images I can get a dimensional effect that is worth the frustration of working on a surface that is likely to disintegrate if your not extremely careful.
Why Buying Art Online Makes Great Sense! By Tony MoffittIn the days of the great Masters; men such as Rembrandt and Vermeer... art galleries didn't exist.Instead, the artists of the day worked in their studios. Through word of mouth, their talents were spread far and wide... and from distant destinations, art collectors came to see the work and to purchase.Now, in the 21st century, we've come a full circle in many ways.Art galleries are no longer the only venue available to collectors of fine art.More and more, artists around the globe are making use of online resources to take us back to the days of old; the days when artists could deal direct with clients.The media is different. Word-of-mouth has been replaced by the internet. An artist's showroom is not only their studio. It's their Blog and Website.But though these things have changed, the core benefit remains the same.For the first time in many, many years, clients have unprecedented opportunities to deal directly with artists.Buying art online give clients a wonderful opportunity to make contact with, and then build a relationship with their favourite artists.There are no physical limitations.With the flick of a switch, you can be viewing the work of an artist on the other side of the globe.It's a very exciting time for art collectors. And it's an opportunity that should not be passed up.The Global Financial crisis has done wonders for the art world. The days of ridiculous high-end prices are gone. Common-sense has returned to the market. But even more importantly, a host of new and very talented artists have begun to emerge via the internet.There are many thousands of artist Blogs and Websites on the net. They represent the new way of doing smart business.Clients looking to purchase art are streaming onto the net. Through online art purchases, and by dealing directly with their favourite artist, it is possible to save huge amounts of money that might otherwise be paid in traditional gallery commissions.The removal of the art gallery middle-man means greater value for purchasers, and a direct line of communication with the artist.Technology has facilitated the boom.With the advent of secure online purchase facilities via companies such as PayPal, purchasers have unprecedented security to protect their purchases. The days of snail-mail and cheques have long gone. Now payment online takes place in a matter of moments. It's safe. It's secure. It's efficient.
