Saturday, February 2, 2019

The Art of Mixing Media

As we mentioned in a previous post, the works in our annual Pre-Shrunk show are not limited exclusively to painting. Many artists in this show have incorporated a variety of different materials in order to explore a range of techniques. Working in mixed media can be challenging. Being able to combine different materials in a way that's harmonious and well-considered instead of looking like a hodge-poodge mess is difficult to achieve.

We wanted to highlight a few artists in our current Pre-Shrunk show who demonstrate the fine art of mixed media work.

We've been getting a lot of interest and questions about the work of Jen Worden. Jen's mixed media pieces combine old photographs with plaster, wax, and paint. The resulting pieces are so rich in texture, and full of complex layers that really enhance the intrigue of the old photos. She also carves into some of the material as a way to add lines and shapes to the compositions.


Jen Worden, Those Were the Days 01, Plaster, Acrylic, Wax

Jen Worden, Those Were the Days 02, Plaster, Acrylic, Wax

Jen Worden, Those Were the Days 03, Plaster, Acrylic, Wax

Damien Webb is a mixed media artist who is well-known for his charming and inventive miniatures (if you didn't see his show Teenseyland here at the gallery last September, you can take a peek HERE). He cuts and paints paper, cardboard, and sometimes reclaimed materials, to create teeny tiny objects and scenes that are such a delight.


Damien Webb, ROY'S, Paper and Acrylic

Damien Webb, Prime Time Cafe, Paper and Acrylic

Damien Webb, Motel 66, Paper and Acrylic


Jana Wicha is an artist with a background in printmaking whose works in this show are made using carving techniques that may be used in linocut or block printing. Jana carves her image into MDF, and then paints the carving itself rather than using it to make prints. Although these aren't typical "mixed media" pieces, we think Jana's method is an innovative alternative to painting on a flat surface. The resulting works are colorful, and have subtle dimension from the carving.



Jana Wicha, Old Milwaukee, MDF Carving With Oil & Acrylic Paint

Jana Wicha, Miller High Life, MDF Carving With Oil & Acrylic Paint

Kirsti Smith is an artist who has chosen to bring together her love of both painting and ceramics. She paints cheerful patterns to serve as backdrops to various domestic scenes, which she brings to life in three-dimensions with little ceramic objects.

Kirsti Smith, Momma's Room, Oil Paint and Ceramic

Kirsti Smith, Grandma's House, Oil Paint and Ceramic

Kirsti Smith, Olivia's Room, Oil Paint and Ceramic

Kimberley Eddy is an artist who creates stunning works with ink, resin, and sand, that transport us right to the ocean's edge. The vibrant colors, patterns, and textures she achieves by combining these materials is really mesmerizing. There's so much detail in each piece!

Kimberley Eddy, PS7, Ink, Resin, and Sand on Wood Panel

Kimberley Eddy, PS4, Ink, Resin, and Sand on Wood Panel

Kimberley Eddy, PS3, Ink, Resin, and Sand on Wood Panel

If you haven't made it down to the gallery yet to see the show, you still have  a bit of time! In the meantime, you can view all the works online HERE. We're trying our best to keep the album updated with what has sold...and as you can see, pieces are selling fast. Take a browse!:)