Mixed Media Art? Learn About it from Author Cherie Burbach

Hello, Miners, it is my pleasure to bring you an interview with author Cherie Burbach. So sit back and get to know her along with me.

Welcome, Cherie, thanks for being my guest here on The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. I have a feeling this is going to be a fun interview discussing your new book Art and Faith: mixed media art with a faith-based message.

Peg: First of all, exactly what is ‘mixed media art?’

Cherie: Thanks for having me!

Mixed media can mean different things, but for me it is art combined with different types of paints and ephemera (things like old book pages, music sheets, or special papers) to create a layered. I use several layers so when you see one of my paintings there are lots of things to notice about it up close, as the ephemera helps add detail.

For the paints, I usually start with acrylics and then use oil sticks, and India inks on top of that. But sometimes I stamp favorite verses or poetry on the top, or use doilies or even parts of blue jeans in the pictures.

Peg: You state on your website that this has been a long-time goal of yours. How long did it take for this dream to come true?

Cherie: I’ve been a painter since I was a kid, starting with crayons and then using watercolors and oils. For many years I just used acrylics, but a few years ago I stumbled onto mixed media as a technique and art form and that’s when I really became excited. This technique allowed me to marry my love of images and words, so creating art became like a whole new experience for me.

As soon as I start doing mixed media art, I wanted to create an art book of some sort. That’s why I was so excited to do Art and Faith, which combined my art with the inspiration for it. In the book I talk about the verses that inspire me and I often stamp those right on the top of the painting.

Peg: For a one-word-fits-all description, would your art be called ‘paintings’ or is that an oversimplification?

Cherie: Not oversimplification at all! They are definitely paintings.

Peg: Describe a ‘typical’ day when you’re working-whether writing or doing your art. How do you keep a balance between the two?

 Cherie: My writing pays the majority of the bills right now so my day starts with that. A typical day might involve me interviewing people for a story I’ve pitched to a magazine or finishing up a re-write with notes from an editor I’m working with.

I usually spend some time in the afternoon on social media, promoting my art or articles or just hanging out. Then I’ll work on some article pitches, and finally I’ll work on other writing projects like nonfiction books or fiction stories.

At night, I usually relax by painting and creating new art. But every day is entirely different. 

Which is really exciting and fun.

Peg: What five words best describe you?

Cherie: introverted, creative, faithful, kind, loving (My husband told me to add the last two!)

Peg: Fun question: If you were born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what would you be . . . and why?

Cherie: I suppose since I love and relate to dogs so much I would probably be one of them. A small one with a loud bark, maybe! Those dogs are my favorites.

About the book:

Title: Art and Faith: Mixed Media Art With a Faith-Filled Message

Publisher: Bonjour Publishing

Release date: January 2016

Genre: Nonfiction, Art

Purchase link(s): https://www.amazon.com/Art-Faith-mixed-faith-filled-message/dp/0997227400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467583555&sr=8-1&keywords=cherie+burbach

Back cover blurb/synopsis:

In Art and Faith, Cherie Burbach shares original mixed-media paintings that contain a positive, faith-filled message. There are times when a Bible verse you’ve read many times suddenly becomes clearer to you with a meaning and message you haven’t realized before. Many of the paintings in Art and Faith are inspired by a particular verse that stood out for a variety of reasons. Celebrate your faith with this collection of verses and art that represent hope and encourage belief.

Peg: Where can folks find you on the Internet?

Cherie: The best place is my website: http://cherieburbach.com 

About Cherie:

Cherie Burbach is a poet, mixed media artist, and freelance writer specializing in lifestyle and relationships. She's written for About.com, NBC/Universal, Match.com, Christianity Today, and more. Her latest book is: Art and Faith: Mixed Media Art With a Faith-Filled Message. Visit her website for more info, cherieburbach.com.

Peg  Note: Cherie is also the creator and moderator of a blog called Putting on the New where  a large number of Christian writers contribute articles on faith, prayer, the Christian walk, The Word, the ups and downs of life in general, every day of the week all month/year long.Do yourself a favor, check it out and be inspired.

Peg: Thanks so much, Cherie, for spending this time with us. I’ve found it a fascinating peek into something new and exciting. 

God bless you as you work to create something pleasing in His sight.