Mix It Up: Spotlight on Mixed-Media Artists
Mixed media allows artists to play with multiple materials without the fear of boundaries. Whether it’s paint, glass, metal, or cloth, this art form encourages imagination and creativity by utilizing several elements. Meet some of our area’s accomplished mixed-media artists here.
Gia McNutt
What attracts you to mixed media?
I’m in love with textures and the abstract expression of art. Textures consume me— they are rich, varied, and found in nature. When I first started art, I didn’t “get” abstract art. Now, I love that it’s open for interpretation by the viewer and that the message is somewhat obscured [and] requires rumination.
How did you develop your artistic skills?
I took some workshops with Anne Bradley (a fellow-gallery member) and loved it! I’ve also taken a few online courses, learned repousse (a metal technique), and continue to study composition and the work of other artists.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Stop making sense! (I borrowed this from the band Talking Heads). I had to stop making “sense” of everything in order to do abstract art. Pay attention to composition, colors, and values, and work with textures and mediums that you have fun with. This journey is all about fun!
Where is your favorite place to create?
In my studio. It’s hard to bring all that stuff anywhere else to paint.
Where can your art be found?
Auburn Old Town Gallery, Art League of Lincoln, Blue Line Arts, and on my website.
Chris K. Foster
What attracts you to mixed media?
The unknown of it. One has to experiment to find out what works. For example, I learned that you can put oils over acrylic paints but not acrylic paints over oils. And there are failures if the additions are not permanent. Another example, watercolors over acrylics do not work. The paints move around and are too fugitive.
How did you develop your artistic skill?
Years of classes, workshops, and experimentation. And painting every day.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Try everything! Be willing to fail. Have fun!
Where is your favorite place to create?
My teeny, tiny home studio.
Where can your art be found?
My website and Auburn Old Town Gallery.
Mary Chris Hines
What attracts you to mixed media?
I like the idea of being able to use anything in an art piece. The objective is communicating something with the artwork—and using anything that will assist in that communication. Using imagination is a large factor just because it’s fun!
How did you develop your artistic skills?
I made a collage by taping magazine pieces to the recessed panel of a door in my apartment. At the time, I’d never heard the term “collage” and didn’t know what it was. I just wanted to brighten up my apartment and do something fun. I’ve also done hundreds of hours of individual study which still continues today. With YouTube, you can learn all sorts of interesting techniques which you can make your own.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Hold nothing back. Every piece might not end up being exactly what you were hoping for, but every piece teaches you something that you can carry forward in future art works. Use anything and everything that inspires or moves you.
Where is your favorite place to create?
In my little studio which I set up in a bedroom.
Where can your art be found?
On my website.
Kerri Warner
What attracts you to mixed media?
The freedom to create with no boundaries—there is no right or wrong. It’s all about improvisation and figuring out how each media interacts with the other to create the finished product.
How did you develop your artistic skills?
Trial and error. I am self-taught and come from a very talented family. We were always involved in DIY projects—from creating sceneries, props, and costumes for theatrical productions to artwork for our home. My parents always reused and recycled. One of my favorite childhood memories is a birthday party where my mom made circus animals out of cardboard boxes for each attendee. We all spent hours sitting in our boxes.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Be bold. Let your creativity be your guide. If someone tells you “that will never work” or “that can’t be done,” experiment anyway.
Where is your favorite place to create?
In my studio. I’m surrounded with things that inspire me and I have the freedom to be messy and experiment.
Where can your art be found?
All over the country. Locally, my work can be seen on a SacRT train, covering the walls of the MRI suites at the UCD Children’s Hospital, and wrapping utility boxes in Sacramento, Davis, and soon to be in Natomas.
by Bella Nolen