Explore Artistic Boundaries
Use 'Randomness' To Create Assemblage Art Projects
There isn't a mixed-media artist out there that doesn't have envelopes, boxes or drawers full of what they call randomness. Use these to break free!
It isn't uncommon for an artist, including mixed media artists, to work within what's considered a comfort zone. Projects become repetitive; ideas start to feel ordinary, and inspiration seems to fall off. This is normal behavior, but it's still worth venturing outside of your normal boundaries in order to:
How do mixed media artists break free from their comfort zones without feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or intimidated by the project? The first thing is to gather up all the randomness (envelopes, boxes of goodies and so on) spread out through workspaces or hidden in closets. Most often, artists either forget what they have or didn't know they had certain things to begin with. So, this is also an exercise in workspace discovery.
Next, choose a suitable canvas or work surface. This choice is completely up to the artist's tastes and how far they'd like to go with the project. Here are a few suggestions:
Once the work surface has been chosen, select some paints (watercolor or acrylic will work fine for this project), brushes, adhesives (wet or dry, it depends on the taste of the artist), scissors, ink (black or brown), and masking tape. Place all these items in the workspace, in addition to the randomness collected.
If the randomness is still contained in boxes or envelopes, dump a pile out and spread it out on your working area. Choose at least ten different items. Paint the surface of the canvas or work surface, then start layering on elements. Don't stifle creativity by limiting this project to a theme, unless you're trying to achieve a balance of color or shape. Keep the elements as random as possible. Ink the edges of paper items, particularly book pages. Add rubber-stamping, if it's available. Continue layering each element on until this piece of assemblage is considered complete.
When the work is complete, consider sealing it with a spray fixative (Dick Blick has a very good archival spray available) or decoupage medium with a gloss finish. Weightier items will need extra adhesive they don't fall off in transition or over time. If this project is being completed in a book, be sure to dry it completely for at least 24 hours.
