What Drew me to Mixed Media Art

by an Artist Reflecting on the Journey

Art has always had a unique way of connecting with my emotions, thoughts and even my soul in ways words cannot. It has served as both mirror and messenger, revealing things I didn’t always know I was feeling. Over the years, I’ve explored many forms of artistic expression, but I’ve found myself increasingly captivated by one in particular. Mixed Media. By pulling in those many forms I’ve explored over the years into one form, mixed media; which challenges, encourages pushing boundaries and continual exploration, opening up new ways of seeing and in that I have found something truly profound.

Sorrow by Nina Fickett

The Language of Layers

One of the most compelling aspects of mixed media art is its layered nature. Every piece is a process of addition, subtraction and discovery. I often begin with collage, building a foundation of fragments, textures and sparks of color. From there I respond to what I’ve built up in that first layer. Pulling in paint, ink, fabric, found items letting them come together as a story unfolds before me.

Freedom in the Unknown

Unlike more traditional forms of art, mixed media doesn’t rely on realism or representation. It invites ambiguity and that freedom excites me. There’s no blueprint, no fixed outcome. The art is constantly in flux until it tells me its finished. This freedom allows me to take risks, which no longer feels like risks but intuitive movements.

Its in these movements, when materials behave in unexpected ways or compositions shift, that I feel most alive creatively. Mixed media art teaches me to trust the unknown, to embrace imperfection and see beauty in chaos. Its not about control; its about connection.

A Dialogue with My Environment

I find inspiration in the “In-Between” spaces of my surroundings, the overlooked textures on weathered walls, the way light flickers between tree branches, the quiet moments between seasons. Mixed media gives me a way to interpret those observations emotionally.

When I create, I’m not trying to depict a place exactly as it is. Instead, I aim to evoke the peace or chaos that space gives me. I want to invite the viewer in to experience the stillness, the movement, to travel with me through the textures and tones I’ve layered onto the surface.

An Invitation to Feel

What I love most about mixed media art is its openness. It doesn’t demand to be understood in a specific way, it invites each viewer to bring their own story to the piece. What they see, feel or imagine is uniquely theirs. That kind of dialogue, between artist, art and viewer is incredibly powerful.

For me creating is about creating space for emotion, reflection, presence and mixed media art allows me to express what’s inside without having to translate it into words. It is a language of its own.

Choosing mixed media as my primary mode of expression wasn’t a decision I made all at once. It unfolded gradually, intuitively; much like the art itself. It gives voice to my inner world.

Have you ever stood before a piece of art and felt something stir within you? Even if you couldn’t explain it, that’s the magic I live for. That is why I’m driven to create.