No. 2 in the Creation mini series

Earth Music

5 x 4 mixed media on 300# watercolor paper

by Miki Willa

I did this small collage several weeks ago, but forgot to post it. This one was inspired by an erupting volcano. I used tissue paper, hand made paper, altered newsprint, red and gold foil paper, and old sheet music.

Working in layers

Tranquility and Happiness

6 x 4 mixed media on 300# watercolor paper

by Miki Willa

This is an example of a work that designed itself. I started out with a simple composition in mind. It got more complicated with each new element I added. As I layered the papers, some hand made and some from magazines, I felt it was getting too busy. I decided to unify it a bit with titan buff acrylic and a sponge. At this point, I was really liking the layers and textures created by the different papers and the sponge application. When that all dried, I chose some dark purple acrylic and rubbed it in selected places to highlight some of the texture. I also added the kanji for tranquility and for happiness, because the colors reminded me of both emotions. There was a point at which I was pretty sure this was going to be a throw-away. I am so glad I listened to that little voice inside me that told me how to make it work.

Split Compliments - red, blue-green, yellow-green

Bamboo

9 x 6 mixed media

by Miki Willa

The idea for this collage came from the red and gold paper. I found a half-page fancy monogram in the red and gold that I tore into strips. I knew I would do something with them that was more Asian in look. When I decided to work on a series in split compliments, this is one of the first papers I pulled out.

I have been trying something new with my creative energy lately. At night, just before I go to sleep, I put creative questions in my head, and the rest of the universe some would say. When I wake up, just after prayers, I focus on the questions to see if any insights planted themselves in my brain. So far, it has been interesting. Last night, I was thinking about this collage. This morning, I had a better idea of what I wanted to do. I remembered some of the other papers and ephemera I had in the folders. When I finally found time to work on it, I was able to find the papers easily and start the composition. I even knew I wanted to do some painting on the surface.

The best thing is that I did this in my new collage work space. I didn't have room in the pastel studio, so I have been working on the dining room table. It was a great place to work, but it meant we couldn't use the table for eating. On Sunday, we went to IKEA and bought the parts for a great table. My wonderful husband put the table together yesterday while I was taking care of my granddaughter, and when I got home, I set up the new space in a spare room that has great afternoon sun. So far, there is a place for everything, and I can use the table for sewing projects when they come up. I am a very lucky woman to have such a supportive husband in all my creative endeavors.

Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun

3 x 5 mixed media on watercolor paper

by Miki Willa

Here, again, I decided to work with split complementaries. I really like purples and blues with oranges, golds, and yellow ochres. The feel so rich to me. For this mixed media collage, I painted with acrylics first. I played with wet on wet, which I haven't done since my watercolor days. I like the lines that happened as the colors dried and showed where they bled into each other. That was especially true with the yellow. After the paint was dry, I glued down the papers in a pattern I had worked out ahead of time. After I got the lavender oval in place, I decided to do some dry brush with burnt orange in a circular pattern. I am pleased with the results. I have never seen a midnight sun, but I think this is what they should look like.

I think I am going to work in small formats for a while. My goal is to get comfortable with the medium before I jump into something bigger. Right now, I am quite happy with my learning curve.