Mixed-Media Collage: An Exploration of Contemporary Artists, Methods, and Materials

by Holly Harrison

More than 60 new mixed-media collages by leading mixed-media artists. Mixed-media collage artists are embracing, unearthing, and reconstructing the flotsam and jetsam of modern life with abandon, integrating discards along with a range of art materials and novel techniques to create compelling, new works. Original, idiosyncratic, and delightful, this catch-as-catch-can approach to making art is inspiring and can have eye-catching results. It can also have its own set of technical challenges. Mixed-Media Collage takes you into the studios of five talented mixed-media Laurinda Bedingfield, Barbara De Pirro, Paula Grasdal, Sharon McCartney, and Teesha Moore. The artists reveal their own step-by-step processes, offer tips on working with unconventional materials, and share their insights on creativity and finding inspiration. A deluxe gallery features forty never-before published mixed-media pieces, complete with detailed descriptions of the work and the materials used to create them. In-depth chapters detailing the work and techniques of Laurinda Bedingfield, Barbara De Pirro, Paula Grasdal, Sharon McCartney, and Teesha Moore Techniques for making faux encaustics out of acrylic gel medium (no hot palette or wax required), adding stitching to paper, layering surfaces, finding inspiration in texts, building shrines and book-page panels out of sew-through interfacing, using simple printmaking techniques to create one-of-a-kind collage materials, building three-dimensional photo collages, and more A special feature by best-selling author Jennifer Crusie, who shares her thoughts on the connections between writing and collage, as well as several previously unpublished assemblages she has used as a tool to plot and edit her books A humorous essay by best-selling author Alisa Kwitney, who shares her thoughts on the connections between writing and collage, and explains why she can't use collage as a tool for anything

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5-star rating.

'In the Studio with Artists' - "What does the term "mixed media" mean to you?"

"I think it means freedom, because you're not tied down by traditional rules. You're able to experiment with as many different media as you like, and you can combine them in any way that you like. I think it does help to know some rules, too, but I think it really implies freedom to experiment." Paula Grasdal - Canadian Mixed Media Artist - pg. 44

"It's not just a mixture of materials, but the idea of being able to say something better using a variety of approaches than with a single medium. If you're doing mixed media, there's got to be a reason to be doing it, and it can't be just embellishment. For me it was that combination of wanting to play with surface patterns and wanting to explore the abstract qualities of collage and then adding to these representational depictions of my subjects."
Sharon McCartney - US Mixed Media Artist - pg. 56

I really appreciated the layout of this book. There are five diverse Artists' profiles, which include interviews, as well as Technique Highlights, that give clearly delineated instructions with photos. This is followed by a Gallery, that gives a sweeping look with photos of twenty Mixed Media Artists including their process and materials for the pieces shown. And something I found particularly intriguing was the inclusion of how Author Jennifer Crusie uses Collage as a Writing Tool, truly a visionary concept. Concluding with a description of Photo-Transfer Techniques and Encaustic Collage. Then wrapping up with a product resource guide and Artist Directory. Holly has created a stellar resource that I definitely recommend and will be making use of as a reference.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter of "Mixed Media Collage" focuses on an artist and techniques which create striking art. The materials of these pieces can be found around us, and I liked looking at the objects and odd little pieces in my home with new eyes. Little by little I read this over four months and explored not only these artists and techniques but also videos about art, collage, any sort of painting, and so on. Often poignant, sometimes playful, always calming during this silent storm of 2020, self-awareness emerged in a new form for me. I have a few days over the upcoming holiday break which I'll fill with some creative mixed-media collage.

[Gerisgrltrl2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource book for exploring collage techniques.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, full of incredible collages and what artists are thinking and doing. It's great!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers collage techniques and art works of contemporary collage artists. Some are pretty cool; some are ho-hum.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this a great deal - besides great visuals, it has interviews with artists as well as step by step instructions for some of their projects.