The Unseen Layers: My Process of Building Depth and Narrative in Abstract Mixed Media
Sometimes, I wonder if life itself isn't just one big abstract mixed media piece. Think about it: layers of experiences, emotions, fleeting thoughts, solid truths, and those messy, beautiful accidents that somehow make up the whole. My art? It's often a reflection of this very idea. It's not just about what you see on the surface; it's about the history, the whispers, the 'unseen layers' that give a piece its soul, its depth, and its own quiet narrative.
For me, building an abstract mixed media piece isn't just a technical exercise; it's a conversation. A dialogue between me, the materials, and the canvas that often feels more profound than any chat I have before my first cup of coffee. It's a journey into the unknown, a dance of intuition and intention where I try to coax a story out of shapes and textures.
Beyond the Surface: Why Layers Matter to Me
I’ve always been fascinated by things that aren't immediately obvious. The way an old wall peels to reveal decades of paint, or the complex root system beneath a seemingly simple tree. This fascination naturally bled into my art. Just as a person isn't defined by their outward appearance, a painting, for me, isn't complete without its inner workings. Layers aren't just aesthetic; they're emotional, historical, and conceptual.
I remember one afternoon, feeling utterly stuck on a painting. It felt flat, lifeless. I almost gave up, but then, on a whim, I picked up some old paper scraps, a tube of forgotten gel medium, and just started adding, covering, pushing. Something clicked. The piece began to breathe, to show signs of life. That was my 'aha!' moment: realizing that true depth comes from building, obscuring, and then selectively revealing. My art is like an onion... but hopefully, it smells a lot better. And it makes you cry in a good way, if at all.
My Playbook for Building Depth: It's All About the Dialogue
My process isn't a rigid formula (when is art ever, really?). It's more of a series of invitations, a back-and-forth between myself and the developing artwork. It’s fluid, messy, and wonderfully unpredictable.
Starting the Conversation: The Foundation Layer
Every journey starts somewhere, and for me, it's usually with a chaotic burst of energy. The first layer is about shedding the fear of the blank canvas, laying down initial, often intuitive marks or washes of color. It's not precious; in fact, I sometimes aim for it to be a bit