Sammi Bulmer from Melbourne, Australia possesses an array of creative talents starting with ceramics 20 years ago, scrapbooking, photography and now mix media. Sammi shares her inspiration, tools and her process in creating her beautiful mixed media art.
Mixed media for Sammi is purely for pleasure and fun with no intention for monetary gains. In fact, selling her artwork a few years back, took the joy of creating for Sammi. She credits her creative abilities to her mother, who is also a painter. Sammi is part of a small community of artists. They would simply get together to create and in her words 'It’s a great way to spend the afternoon'. Sammi's artistic talents are on display in her home, which is filled with her prizing winning artwork.
In this interview, we chat with Sammi about her mixed media art.
Sammis' Mum's Paintings
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What is mixed media art?
'Mixed Media' is the combination of different media or materials to produce a piece of artwork. Artists combine glues, buttons, fabrics, found objects, photos, metal bits, fibres, things from nature, inks, pencils, crayons, markers, pastels and polymer clays, to name a few to create their artwork.
What was your inspiration to get started in Mixed Media?
I've been paper crafting now for many years and mixed media simply become another step forward in my crafting development.
My artistic craft journey began in the mid-'80s when I took up ceramics. During this time I learned a lot about clay, paints and glazes. I learned how to use many paintbrushes for different techniques and found I was quite good at this.
I started in the paper arena with scrapbooking about 20 years ago. Which evolved into making cards. This then flowed into the more flexible, artistic expression of mixed media.
How long have you been doing this?
My journey into mixed media began about 5 years ago when I made my very first elaborate Christmas gift tags.
What source materials do you use and where do you get them?
The materials I use vary from project to project. The main things used can include any of the following:
Card stock sheets of coloured card
Packing tags
Playing cards
Gesso
Gel medium
Modelling paste
Sealer
Glue
Paintbrushes a plenty
Acrylic paint
Coloured ink pads
Glitter
Ink spray shimmers
Stamps
Stencils
Double-sided tape
Coloured/patterned papers
Pages from books/dictionaries/sheet music etc
Die cutters for cutting out preset shapes
The list goes on. I purchase these items from art and specialist stores on eBay that sell papercraft products.
These are only some of the tools and materials used
The stores Sammi regularly purchase her material from
Trade shows
Where do you find inspiration to start working on a piece of artwork?
Inspiration comes when it comes. I find my best creative inspiration strikes when I am not looking for it. Sometimes look to Pinterest for inspiration and motivation, or something as simple as a pack of paper will invoke ideas for my next project.
If I'm looking for a gift, often it will inspire me to make something. But mostly, If I feel the creative need, I just sit and create with no purpose in mind for the piece. I simply love to create.
Youtube has some really inspirational crafters. I follow a couple of ideas and processes
Sea Lemon and Nik the Booksmith are just a couple.
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How do you describe your process?
After finding my inspiration I sit down and get started. I choose a colour theme then start collecting my items matching the overall theme and begin to design. Once a layout starts to come together, I start colouring, painting, stamping, spraying and gluing.
Slide through to see more images
How long would it take to create a piece?
Each piece is different and would depend on how much time I am willing to apply. A simple card can take as little as 30 minutes while a 60-page handmade decorated journal can take weeks. My altered playing cards usually take some time.
I went on a weekend retreat with a great group and made 7 cards over the course of 2 and a half days. I'm in no hurry, so I take my time.
Which is your most proud piece of artwork, why and how long did it take to create this?
My book of shadows magic spellbook is perhaps the creation I'm most proud of. I made backdrops for each page of a book I bought. Each page was made with a variety of colours, stamps, and inks. There are no two pages alike. I printed out all of the magic knowledge and spells I found on the internet. For the cover, I bought a bunch of metal trinkets and started layering tissue paper, lace, paint, skulls, skeletons, bones, and other trinkets, as well as metallic rubs, spray inks, and other embellishments.
This book took me many months of work to complete. I love the way it turned out. However, it was one of the first mixed media projects I attempted. I would do things very differently if I was to recreate them now.
Great details have gone into the Shadows Magic Spellbook
What do you hope the viewer gets from your work?
I suppose it’s the same for most art. I hope they enjoy exploring each piece. I would love to think that my art makes people happy and brings a smile to their faces.
My latest piece/project is based on Alice in Wonderland, created to invoke childhood memories.
If it’s a gift I am giving, I hope they would cherish it. I have made a few wedding journals for friends. It's lovely to give a gift that is handmade. I make handmade notebooks and many other unique gifts.
Alice in Wonderland Series
The following video features lots more images from Sammi's work
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