DIY Gone Awry
It was the year 2020: Like many others, I found myself taking on new side hobbies, DIY projects, passing time spent with myself. I learned how to install light fixtures, convinced my niece and nephews to humor my indulgence in “reverse tie dye”, and took it upon myself to make my own artwork.
Through many sessions of “Pinterest and Chill”, I was consistently seeing canvas art work marked with globs of plaster and mixed mediums of paint and charcoal. We’ve all looked at a piece of art, particularly ones with some squiggly lines and no clear subject matter, and thought to ones self, “I could do that”. And that is exactly what happened.
Inspired by the likes of contemporary artists who effortlessly blended textures and colors into seemingly effortless masterpieces, I embarked on a mission to create my own statement piece. Armed with canvases, a rainbow assortment of sample-sized paint cans, a tub of plaster from my local home improvement store, and my newfound confidence and Pinterest-worthy aspirations, I was ready to unleash my inner artist.
The vision in my mind was clear: a bold, abstract composition that would serve as the focal point of my living room. I imagined textured swirls of plaster, complemented by subtle splashes of color that would evoke emotions and intrigue, and of course for a fraction of the cost of a work by Josh Young and double the entertainment value.
As I started mixing the plaster and applying it to the canvas, the smooth, organic shapes I envisioned turned out to be clumpy blobs that resembled more of a failed sculpture project than a sophisticated artwork. My attempts to layer paints over the plaster didn’t quite capture the calibur of art I was looking to achieve.
In hindsight, I realize now that art, like any form of self-expression, is deeply personal. While I had hoped to create something that resonated with me, the end result fell short of my expectations. It's easy to be swept up by trends or inspired by the work of others, but art should ultimately be a reflection of oneself, not just an attempt to mimic what's popular.
So, what did I learn from my misadventure in canvas and plaster? Firstly, that creativity doesn't always translate into mastery overnight. Secondly, that art is as much about the process as it is about the end result. And most importantly, that it's okay for DIY projects to not turn out as planned. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the imperfections and the lessons learned along the way.
Artwork can indeed be a powerful form of self-expression, but it doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful... or something you keep. If you make something you’re proud of or that tells a story, by all means hang it. But don’t ever feel obligated to put something on the walls just because it aligns with your original intentions. It may be better off never to be seen again…
So, if you find yourself inspired to embark on your own DIY art journey, remember this: whether your creation ends up as a masterpiece or a learning experience, have fun with it and know it’s ok to realize you attempted replicas of noteworthy artists won’t end up in a local art gallery.
