~*~ Mixed Media May ~*~ Jane LaFazio ~*~

What does mixed-media art mean to you?
It means the freedom to use any and every material to create a piece of art. It means texture and layers and invites the viewer to come closer to study the image. 

How long have you been a mixed-media artist?
I first started my fine art career painting in watercolor. I think the moment I became a mixed media artist is when I used gesso on my watercolor paper. And then I sewed a piece of paper onto it, and layered some rice paper. Viola! I became a mixed media artist about 1995.

 How has your art impacted or enhanced your life?
Oh my. Art is a huge part of my life, and I simply cannot imagine the person I would be without art.

I do have a degree in Graphic Design, and worked for many years in technical illustration and documentation for high tech companies. During that time, I never thought of myself as “an artist.” But then, in 1992, my husband suffered a brain aneurysm. He was 46 years old and had to learn to read, write and walk again. I was his 24 hour a day caregiver. With the grief and the stress, I was losing myself. I signed up for a once a week drawing class, for some respite. I found that I could draw, and I found the escape into my right brain for healing and cleansing. I began painting watercolors, started framing and selling them, and evidentially quite my day job (okay, I was laid off) and 13 years ago, became a full time artist. I teach a lot and make art every day. This is the life for me, and the life I was meant to live. (My husband has never been able to return to work, and he has become my biggest support in my career.)

What are a few of the mixed-media supplies you find yourself using most?
Needle and thread. Whether it’s paper or cloth, I love the look of a stitched line. Watercolors. Acrylic soft gel medium for glue. White tissue paper. Permanent ink pen. Water soluble crayons. Color pencils.

Who are some of your favorite mixed-media artists?
Cas Holmes, Cathy Cullis, and Fran Skiles come to mind. Artist who use the stitched line in their work.

What makes your mixed-media art unique?
I’m guessing that it’s the colors I use, and the layers and texture. All my work has those qualities, from my work on paper to my work on cloth.

Where can we find you?
On JaneLaFazio.com, you’ll find links to my blogs, my etsy shop, my teaching schedule, facebook etc.

About Jane LaFazio: I’ve been a full-time artist since 1998, and truly believe I’m living the life I was meant to live! During my art career, I have cultivated a wide range of skills as a painter, mixed media, quilt artist and art teacher. I strive to be known for my fun-loving, creative teaching style, and providing a relaxed supportive environment in the classroom. I teach workshops online and at art retreats internationally. My artwork has been featured in Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Quilting Arts magazines many times, and in Danny Gregory’s ”An Illustrated Life”, and in numerous books. I’ve made 7 appearances on Quilting Arts TV, in season 300 and 800 and my instructional DVDs “From Art Journaling to Art” and “The Small Art Quilt” are available on Amazon.