The Surface Holds a Story: Looking Closely at Mixed-Media Art
When we look at a painting, it’s easy to focus on its composition and color. But the surface has its own story to tell.
A line that remains visible beneath a layer of paint, a textured passage, or a small glimmer of gold can change the way we experience a work. These details encourage us to slow down and look more closely.
My practice includes abstract painting, photography, and mixed media. Working across these forms gives me different ways to explore images, materials, and their relationships.
What materials bring to a work
In my mixed-media work, materials such as Venetian plaster, gold leaf, image transfer, silk prints, acrylic, graphite, and red string offer distinct possibilities.
Some introduce texture. Others bring a sense of light, a recognizable image, or a line that connects separate areas of the composition. Their qualities influence how the work takes shape and how it is seen.
I’m interested in what happens when these materials meet. A delicate element beside a substantial surface can create tension. A familiar image within an abstract setting can invite a new interpretation.
Looking beyond the first impression
Mixed-media art often rewards a second look. From a distance, you may see the overall structure. Closer viewing reveals the edges, layers, and transitions that give the piece its character.
Notice where one material ends and another begins. Look for something partially concealed or a detail that catches the light. Consider how those elements affect the mood of the work.
You don’t need to identify every technique to appreciate what is happening. Simply noticing the surface can open another way into the piece.
That possibility of discovery is part of what draws me to mixed media. The work can offer one experience at first glance and another when you spend time with it.
As you explore my work, take a moment to look beyond the image and into the layers.
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