Joy Schilling

Mixed media involves using a variety of materials. Embellishing paintings with objects, printing on newspaper and combining photographs with printmaking, are a few examples. My most adventurous mixed media pieces used memorabilia and darkroom photos from my kids' early years, gesso, metallic spray inks, fabric, jewelry, and a strong glue. My batik tee shirts are created by brushing or pouring hot wax onto undyed fabric. The fabric is then dyed, and the wax is removed with boiling water to reveal the patterns.
Mixed Media can act like a bridge between 2D and 3D work because it projects or raises up from the surface but isn’t free standing nor meant to be seen from all sides. This is called Relief Sculpture. Copper tooling falls into the relief sculpture category because the designs are raised off of the flat surface. I work the metal from both sides pushing the metal out from the back and pressing the metal down from the front. The metal is oxidized, then I use steel wool to pull out highlights and return the shine leaving some dark areas.