Mixed Media Landscapes

After many years of digital photography, I used my final project as an opportunity to challenge myself to explore other mediums. Using mixed media, I forced myself to jump straight into ideas and fully commit to them. Unlike editing in Photoshop, I no longer had an “undo” button to rely on. I felt that I really had a chance to grow as an artist by exploring embroidery, painting, and collage. By taking pictures for the purpose of manipulating them after printing, I gave myself more freedom to work with images that may not have been as interesting.

These photos also have a personal aspect, due to the locations photographed. The old theater was a picture taken in Gonzales, Texas which is where my family is from. The embroidery artwork is from a piece of land that has been in our family for many generations. The mountain range is from a walk with my grandparents in Colorado, and the paint smear piece is one from Garden of the Gods where my grandparents and I frequently hike. The final piece in my collection that pictures a greenhouse at the botanical gardens is sentimental to me because I have many fond memories exploring the grounds. - Katherine D.