Faux bohemian batik

This Bohemian Nouveau mixed media wall piece by Heather Campbell leads us down her unusual polymer path. She tends toward large, ornate mixed media pieces that tell fanciful stories.

Heather says, “I am drawn to the wandering nontraditional nature of the Bohemian, which is evident in the shapes and layers of color and the intermingling of techniques. I am captivated by the beautiful flowing scrolls, floral motifs and distinct design elements of the Art Nouveau era. Together they seem to merge into a style and feeling that reflect my own life experience.”

The background on this piece is done with a faux batik polymer technique that Heather details in an article that was published in the July issue of Art Jewelry Magazine. You can download the template (shown at the right) for Heather’s sample batik from the magazine’s website.

  • reply Susan O'Neill ,

    I was fortunate enough to share a workspace next to Heather at the recent IPCA Retreat and see her work up close. SO, so amazing! And she is a very nice person, as well 🙂

    • reply Sue Sutherland ,

      Heather’s work begs to be looked at up close and personal. I was able to oblige up in Chicago. Her attention to detail is mind boggling. You can’t really understand the scope of the work until you have had the pleasure of seeing it in person. And I will second the comment about how nice Heather is.

      • reply Randee M Ketzel ,

        I was also fortunate enough to spend time with Heather in Chicago, and can tell you that without qualification, she is as lovely as her work–and her work is just stunning for its thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship.I will also add modest–even though she had just been published in Art Jewelry Magazine, it wasn’t until one of the organizers announced it that we knew. It’s a great echnique, btw–one that leaves you itching to add resists to the polymer repetoire.

        • reply Debra Vallett ,

          I enjoyed wonderful conversations with Heather at the IPCA retreat, Before I saw her full work. The jewelry is esquisite,and the full panels are truly amazing. The jewelry is just a touch of the surface Id love to see her working on the large panels. The detail and color variation definitely is enhanced when looking it , eye to original.

          • reply jana ,

            I will second each of the commenters here in saying you’ve just gotta see Heather’s work in real life, up close and personal. Sue’s right that you can’t really know the scope (the layering, forthought and story behind each piece) via pictures. Heather’s one of my most favorite people on the face of the planet, and I cheer whenever her amazing work is profiled. She’s one of the strongest women I know 🙂

            • reply Heather Campbell ,

              I miss all of you wonderful women!! Meeting new friends at the retreat was the best part about being there. Susan, Debra, Sue, and cute Randee…I’m so glad we had the chance to clay and play together… I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you all for your lovely comments they made me a little teary….and Jana… my dear dear friend. I have been thinking about you every day for a month. My Jana meter is empty and I need a fill up. Hope to see you soon. Thank you for your endless love and support.

              • reply Beverly Jane ,

                Exquisite!!! I do wish that I could be up very close to see each line and scroll. The colors and movement are so lovely. Thank you so much for allowing us to see it here.

                • reply Heather Campbell ,

                  Hi Cynthia,
                  Just wanted to say thanks for the spotlight and for your continued encouragement and support. You provide us with endless ooooh and ahhhhh moments. Always inspiring….many thanks.

                  and to you too Beverly…

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