Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

What Is Mixed Media Art for You?

“I think I can.”

“Leave some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”

“Just do it. Keep it simple. Focus. No fear.”

“Look for art and it will appear.”

Below the Surface by Trudi Sissons, mixed media artwork.

All stirring and wise and fearless words to live by from artists featured in Seth Apter’s book, The Mixed Media Artist. The guide showcases 40 artists and the tips, tricks, dreams, and points of focus they use to inspire themselves and keep their creativity active and energized.

Just skimming it in preparation to discuss the resource with you, I got distracted because there was so much to ignite my creative side:

1. Take out a pen and paper and ask yourself what three things you are inspired by. Write them down. Can you think of three? Can you think of 30? What first three come to mind and are they what you would call your “most inspiring” inspirations? The answers might surprise you.
2. 

   Seeing Clearly Who I am by Supria Karmakar, mixed media artwork.

   Desk clutter is not clutter at all. These are our touchstones–objects we see every time we sit down to work and that means they have power. Keep items that inspire you nearby as well as the essentials for your art-making. Anything from a camera or iPad to a collection of favorite pencils to a glass of wine or tea (depending on the time of day) can be what you need to have at hand to create the way you want to!

3. Do you have a routine that you embrace or a routine that feels more like a rut? If you are looking for a trick to get back into the studio, think about how you can vary your routine (if you work solo, maybe ask a friend to join you) or remove the roadblocks that don’t let you keep one (turn the phone off or on silent when it is time to create).
4. What is your dream art project? To work on a large scale without space constraints? To travel the world and capture the landscapes you see in art? Something public? Or is every piece dreamy to you?

Someone gave me the nicest compliment today when they said,”You made my day.” Mixed media art has that same effect on me as I explore the lush and strange and exciting inner-landscape of my mind and creative spirit. That is what I wish for all of you as well, so if you are interested in answering the question of “what is mixed media art” for yourself, consider any of Seth Apter’s resources now while they are 25% off when you use the APTER25 coupon code during check out. Enjoy!

Courtney

 

 

 

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