Developing mixed media skills is full of experimentation. Along the way, not every piece will turn out as planned. Colour combinations might clash, and visual hierarchies can be off. When this happens, a bit of perseverance can turn a seemingly failed piece into something entirely new.
One solution I have found helpful, is to cut up the ‘unsuccessful’ artwork into shapes for collaging. This approach can breathe new life into a piece that initially felt like a misstep. For instance, my original blue mixed media piece did not work as a whole, but I was then able to cut it up into leaves and circles for a collage.
I then found that the collage wasn’t working either. The cut pieces were set aside in an envelope. They ended up staying there for months. When I revisited these collage pieces I decided to repurpose them into a tiny book. I ended up with a totally different outcome than what I had set out to create. This project taught me to be patient and nimble with the creative process.
Key learnings:
Stick it out: Persistence is key. Instead of discarding the artwork at the first sign of trouble, pushing through can lead to a satisfying outcome.
Change it up: Incorporating various art forms and working with different sizes, such as moving from A5 to tiny squares, can invigorate the creative process.
Take a break: Stepping away from a project and returning with fresh eyes can provide new insights and help see the project through to completion.
