I have long admired trees. The lessons that they teach me are numerous. Like, how they reach persistently upward with their branches, and reach even further downward with their roots. The well rooted tree has little to fear from wind or drought, both very real threats here in Kansas. So this mixed media piece is named “Reaching”. I aim for it to deliver the message and inspiration that I receive from the trees around me. It is created on a Citra Solved paper background on which I added collage and paint. The roots are book pages to represent the strength we get from all that has gone before. The layers of earth are probably my favorite part of this artwork. I used Citra Solv papers and added to them little drops of alcohol ink. I love the interesting effect it gives and I think I will have to remember to use this more often!
“Reaching” is on a 20 x 24 inch stretched canvas that is 1 1/2 inches deep. It is currently hanging at Tessera Fine Art Gallery in Wichita, and will be part of the Featured Artist show with participants of the four day “Explorations in Mixed Media” Workshop back in June.
Dorethy Hancock
KayAnn,
Your art continues to amaze me–how you blend very simple basic designs with intricate patterns, making a lovely whole. You have accomplished so much with your summer! I LOVE your patterned floor!! Good for you! I seem to be “stuck”, not wanting to go to my basement to work because I can’t think of anything to do. I have oil paintings half-finished that I can’t get interested in anymore. Want to do more mixed media, but where to start??? So day after day finds me sitting on my duff, reading. If you have a workshop closer to Topeka, I’d love to hear about it. Okay, now I’m going to go down there and start messing around and see what I come up with. Oh! BTW, Naomi Cashman sold the sunflower MM piece that she started in your class. When she was finished with it, it was magnificent! (And she went into this medium kicking and screaming that she couldn’t do it–ha!)
Kayann Ausherman
So glad to hear from you Dorethy. Thanks for the update, be sure and tell Naomi congratulations on the sale of her piece! That is exciting! Glad to hear you have the mixed media bug. Just jump in and start playing around and see what happens! The great thing about mixed media is that you can just keep adding layers until you get to something that you like! Would love to see you, I will certainly let you know if I have a workshop your direction. I sent a reply earlier from my phonte… which apparently didn’t actually send. Wish you the best!