It’s fun to break rules sometimes. The people who are dear in my life know me well enough to let me do that occasionally. When I do hear things like, “Are you sure you want to do that fill-in-the-blank-with-a-project?” I let the words roll off my back like water on a duck. If you’re inspired to do something, then you’ll find a way to at least begin. And if you have like-minded people in your circle (friends, family, here online), then you’re already ahead of the game.
In your own creative path, you may have heard words similar to those above, or even worse, a flat-out, “You can’t do that.” Kristen Robinson was once told this, in regards to making mixed-media art. See what she has to say about that, and how she broke the rules herself.
“Mixed media is one of the broadest and most exciting terms I can think of in art,” says Kristen. “For most of us, our mixed-media journey began years ago, long before the phrase was coined or even considered an art form. Thinking back to elementary school, I remember creating projects that incorporated noodles, paper, and string and included tapestries created with threads, buttons, and paper scraps. All of these are good examples of simple mixed-media art.
“I can specifically remember the first time I heard ‘mixed media’ used as a label for artwork. Perhaps one would call it an aha moment. Suddenly I felt validation for the work I had completed years ago in college, work my professors viewed with a questioning eye, oftentimes in wonderment and sometimes in frustration. More than once I heard the words ‘You cannot mix fabric on a canvas with paint.’ While we all know you truly can mix fabric and paint, it was through this experience that I developed a strong sense of what my artistic voice really was, and discovered what I enjoyed creating.”
I think it’s empowering to read stories like this. They help all of us find our voices, and then use them to shout from the rooftops that we are here, and we have something to say.
Kristen is the featured artist in an exclusive collection of resources that are meant to further inspire and enable you to create mixed-media art expressing your artistic voice. This kit includes an exclusive bird mold made by Kristen, a 6″x6″ exclusive Kristen Robinson stencil, Collage Your Story (digital art lesson), Explore Mixed Media Collage (book), and the following new DVDs:
• Sewn Collage Classroom
• Tear Glue Paint Draw
• Assemblage Workshop
• Upcycled Art Journaling
The Kristen Robinson Assemblage Workshop Kit is an unbeatable offer that you can only find at the Interweave Store. And remember, yes, you can!
Live inspired,
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