Mixed Media Photography Art
Mixed Media Photography Art
I’ve kinda hinted at the new art pieces we are doing, and now that I have some done it’s time to show you the Mixed Media Photography Art. I may have made up that name, but I don’t know what else to call it.
It all started when Al decided we were going to try encaustic wax techniques to compliment my photos. We go to art shows and all the photographers display their photos the same way. Canvas prints, metal prints, framed photos. So in our ever searching quest for the new and different, this seemed like like a good idea. Seemed like a good idea. It became quickly apparent that encaustic wax is a huge pain in the butt. Trying to create color like we thought we could was a nightmare. So we reverted to plan B and made mixed media collage work, then applied a clear coat of wax over the top of everything.
When we were in Rapid City we went back to an antique store we had visited the last time we were there. This store is amazing. Great prices, huge variety, and perfect for collecting “stuff” for this idea.
Old postcards, books, magazines from the 1920’s, and an old Montgomery Ward catalog. All these and more have been so valuable.
The photos above all have a clear layer of wax on them. Honestly, I am not really thrilled with what this does to my photos. (and it made it harder to photograph them) Encaustic wax is a technique that has been around for 2000 years. It’s beeswax and damar resin, which is basically tree sap. But it leaves a slight cloudy film, which is cool I guess, but I felt it hid my photos too much. Then you have to make sure that whatever you are applying the wax to, will allow the wax to adhere. Not everything works. It’s hard to work with. Hot wax, heat gun, and patience. And oh ya, it’s toxic.
So the next projects instead of wax I coated them with modge podge. It will protect the photo, and the work, and is much, much easier to work with.
I used pages from the Montgomery ward catalog on this one. What a hoot to flip through that.
Thankfully I have Al and his artist eye to help me lay these out. It’s definitely been a team effort.
Hopefully people will like them enough to want them in their home. We have done several different sizes from large to small, and more are in the works.
What do you think?
Oh Mary, even photography can be transformed into another dimension, and you’ve done it well! I still have a long way to go as far as my photography, but you inspire me to go beyond. All of your nature shots (THOSE HORSES!) just burst with beauty.
Thanks Anita, I think you are my number one fan. Lol. Yes, the horses are my fav too.
I love it, it is like wandering through times :o) I must laugh as I read about the warm feed fattens hogs quickly… think I make a cold gazpacho soup today… just in case LOL
Bwwwwaaaaahaaaahaaaa. Cold soup does sound like a good plan for me too.
What interesting new directions you’re taking your work in!
(I also laughed at the warm feed fattening hogs :-) )
Particularly like the horses and the tetons collage.
Thanks. I hope it’s interesting, and something a bit different. Well, and good too.
Hello, The collages do love wonderful. The horses is one of my favorite. I also like the road less traveled. Great work! Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
I think those two are my favorites as well. Thanks so much.
I really enjoyed the collage effect. “I’ll Take The Road Less Traveled” one is my favorite. How about the same idea but with pictures of old RV’s! That would fit many fulltimers a little better:) Someday I hope to be in an area where you are showing your work so I can finally see it in person:) Beautiful new creations:)
I have that very idea and I’m on the hunt for some to photograph or use. Have you checked our show schedule on the art show page? We may very well cross paths this year. We will be in Wyoming and Montana.
Mary, I just checked your schedule and I’m sorry we won’t be crossing paths:( We will be in Buffalo, Wyoming from June 6 to July 6. We are then working our east. We won’t be heading west again til January. I’ll be watching for the redo with RV photos:) Keep up the great work!
Definitely the modge podge. Love the layouts and backgrounds. So creative and original!
I’m always impressed with your vision and creativity. Nicely done. I just ck’d your art show schedule. Will you be visiting Sun Valley?
We sadly decided not to the Sun Valley show this year. They didn’t have a good space for us, so we decided to pass this year. We’ll have to catch up in Jackson instead.
The inventor of Mod Podge should have won the Nobel prize. I did some projects years ago that look just as good today. Some of my more complicated finishes have faded or yellowed.
These are so lovely. Will you be doing special orders?
Modge podge is the do all, be all isn’t it. I hadn’t thought of special orders, but what a fun idea. I’ll have to do that.
Very cool! Retro is such a big thing these days that I can see these being a great success for you. I think people will love them. I like the look the wax gives, but then again it does take away from the beautiful clarity of your photos, and the modge podge doesn’t do that (plus who wants to work with toxic materials?).
I AM YOUR FAN! Yes! And those horses, goodness, they just tug at my heart. Their profiles, their elegance, and you capture it all so well. XOXOX
They are gorgeous! You are both so talented. I think people would LOVE to have them in their home!!!!
Love it. They tell stories! :)
It’s really interesting to notice how the mood of a photograph can changes or be enhanced when mixed with other medias or items as you have done in these pieces of art. They are delightful, composite art work.
Using the different media transforms your photos to a whole new level! NICE!
I lost you on my reader! WordPress does that sometime. I got you back now! YAHOO!
I have to tell you… my Mom bought us sooo much from the Montgomery Ward Catalog all the time!
Your creativity and artistic eye never cease to amaze me. I love the way you have laid these collages out and brought in other things such as postcards and pages. I love them!