Last week I attended an art demo by a
world-renowned artist (FYI: I was there for free as a guest/volunteer), and he
showed how he uses a variety of supplemental supplies that can be gotten at
convenience stores, auto parts shops, and other mundane sources, plus tips for
how to make all the art supplies
more efficient. I started thinking about some of my own unconventional
supplies, and put together a list of the ones I found in a quick search of my
desk and storage. These oft-discarded items may be within your reach right now,
and you can give them a new chance at a useful life. I’ll let them speak for
themselves.
1. Paper Towel
I’m
often put to work cleaning just about any art-related mess, from errant paint
streaks, to ink blots, to dirty brushes. But far too often I’m carelessly
tossed into the garbage after only one use. Please don’t do this to me. I have
more to offer. All I ask is that you place me in some airy spot, and I’ll get
as dry as new, ready to clean up yet another mess. Granted, if I’m covered in
pigment, my usefulness as a cleaning product may be over—but I still have
collage possibilities! (As the above-mentioned world-famous artist learned from
one of his students.)
2. Paper Scrap
I
know you artist-storytellers leave a major paper-trail wherever you go—hurried
scribblings, quick doodles, notes from this and that, and so on and so
forth—but is it my fault? Or am I to blame that I’m a wrinkled
program from a play, a piece of discarded wrapping paper, or an unwanted advertisement
some company mailed you? Can’t you see the useful potential, even beauty,
that’s in me?
If I’m plain, made of simple stuff like
printer paper, you can cut me into little pieces and write all those random
thoughts and notes on me. I’m free—unlike those store-bought Sticky Notes.
If I’m pretty, with an interesting color,
texture, or design, please consider adding me to your collection of collage
supplies. I may be the center of a great piece of art someday.
3. Plastic Container
I’m
used to package just about every product imaginable, and yet far too often, I’m
cast out and left to waste away in my long, long decomposition process without
anyone discovering how much potential I have.
I can hold water, pigment, pencil
shavings—whatever you need, I’m happy to be of service! Please do your part to
stop this tragedy of discardation and save a plastic container today!
4. Toothbrush
I used
to have the duty of keeping your teeth clean and healthy. But now I’m a scruffy
bunch of bristles and you’re replacing me with a sleek new model. Before you
toss me out, wait! If you run me through the dishwasher—or boil me, if you’re
extra germ-phobic—I can still serve as a useful cleaning tool. Those
hard-to-reach crevices that abound on old frames and canvases—I’ve got it!
Those extra gunky messes that happen sometimes—I’m your brush! You could even
try using me for painting, if you want a nice grungy effect.
Speaking of grunge, this is where the “1/2” in the title comes
in: your old, shapeless paint brushes can be repurposed for cleaning too!
5. Old Pillowcase
So,
you’re storing or transporting a piece of art, and you’re contending with dust,
water, contaminants, and wear and tear to the frame. Would you consider me as
an option? Fully stretched, I can probably hold a 2D artwork up to 20” x 24”.
Sure, I’m nothing compared to those protective cases you can get at art stores,
but in a pinch I’m here to serve you.
6. Popsicle Stick
I’m
not just the stuff of kiddie crafts. I can be used to stir paint, for one
thing. I’m also good to keep around in case you have an emergency situation
with too-big offset screws and have to jam something in there to hold the
canvas in place—it’s happened to me before.
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