Mixed Media art with Sammi Bulmer
Sammi Bulmer from Melbourne, Australia, possesses an array of creative talents starting with ceramics 20 years ago, scrapbooking, photography and now mix media. Sammi shares her inspiration, tools and her process in creating beautiful mixed media art.
Mixed media for Sammi is purely for pleasure and fun. She is part of a small community of female artists. They would simply get together to create, and in her words, 'It’s a great way to spend the afternoon.
What is mixed media art?
'Mixed media' is the combination of different media or materials to produce a piece of artwork. Artists combine glues, buttons, fabrics, found objects, photos, metal bits, fibres, things from nature, inks, pencils, crayons, markers, pastels and polymer clays, to name a few, to create their artwork.What was your inspiration to get started in Mixed Media?
I've been paper crafting now for many years, and mixed media has simply become another step forward in my crafting development.My artistic craft journey began in the mid-'80s when I took up ceramics. During this time, I learned a whole lot about clay, paints and glazes. Learning how to use a multitude of paintbrushes for different techniques and found I was quite good at this.
I started in the paper arena with scrapbooking about 20 years ago. Which evolved into making cards. This then flowed into the more flexible, artistic expression of mixed media
How long have you been doing this?
My journey into mixed media began about 5 years ago when I made my very first elaborate Christmas gift tags.
What source materials do you use, and where do you get them?
The materials I use vary from project to project. The main things used can include any of the following:
- Cardstock sheets of coloured card
- Packing tags
- Playing cards
- Gesso
- Gel medium
- Modelling paste
- Sealer
- Glue
- Paintbrushes aplenty
- Acrylic paint
- Coloured ink pads
- Glitter
- Ink spray shimmers
- Stamps
- Stencils
- Double-sided tape
- Coloured/patterned papers
- Pages from books/dictionaries/sheet music, etc
- Die cutters for cutting out preset shapes
The list goes on. I purchase these items from art and specialist stores on eBay that sell papercraft products.
Where do you find inspiration to start working on a piece of artwork?
Inspiration comes when it comes. I find my best creative inspiration strikes when I am not looking for it. Sometimes look to Pinterest for inspiration and motivation, or something as simple as a pack of paper will invoke ideas for my next project.
If I'm looking for a gift, it often will inspire me to make something. But mostly, if I feel the creative need, I just sit and create with no purpose in mind for the piece. I simply love to create.
YouTube has some really inspirational crafters. I follow a couple of ideas and processes
How do you describe your process?
After finding my inspiration, I sit down and get started. I choose a colour theme, then start collecting my items that match the overall theme and start designing. Once a layout starts to come together, I start colouring, painting, stamping, spraying and gluing.
How long would it take to create a piece?
Each piece is different and would depend on how much time I am willing to apply. A simple card can take as little as 30 minutes, while a 60-page handmade decorated journal can take weeks. My altered playing cards usually take some time.
I went on a weekend retreat with a great group and made 7 cards over the course of 2 and a half days. I'm in no hurry, so I take my time.
What do you hope the viewer gets from your work?
I suppose it’s the same for most art. I hope they enjoy exploring each piece. I would love to think that my art makes people happy and brings a smile to their faces.
My latest piece/project is based on Alice in Wonderland, created to invoke childhood memories.
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