Beyond the Canvas

When people first see the needles on my painting, their reaction is usually shock before curiosity. I decided to combine acrylic painting with 3D materials like needles and yarn to push my artwork beyond the flat surface of traditional painting. Mixed media has become an increasingly popular approach in contemporary art because it adds more texture, lighting, and dimension to the original artwork.

The way I see mixed media is a way for artists to use their materials to translate feelings into something more tangible and to build a stronger emotional connection with the viewer. The materials themselves can also carry deeper meaning, whether it’s reusable trash or a needle taken from your grandmother’s sewing box.My choice on material is based on the kind of feeling that I want to express that might be harder to communicate through paint alone.

The physical presence of an item can immediately capture the viewer's attention and also bring in deeper thought about what they are seeing. The approach of mixed media could blur the boundary between painting and real life while making a connection that’s more personal and thought provoking.