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Artist Uses Her Sink As A Canvas And Lets The Water Destroy Her Paintings 24 Hours Later (26 Pics)
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Artist Uses Her Sink As A Canvas And Lets The Water Destroy Her Paintings 24 Hours Later (26 Pics)

Interview With Artist
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During the quarantine, a lot of professionals were left without a job or something to do. Many of them decided to use their skills and talent in something else so that they wouldn’t lose their touch. But what if you run out of supplies and can’t go to a shop for more?

Creative director Marta Grossi is an Italian artist who lives in Milan and has her work published by famous companies likes Vogue, Disney, and many others. She decided she would use those hard-acquired drawing skills on an unusual canvas—her sink.

Stuck in Italy and unable to see her family, she wanted to keep herself busy and sane during these hard times of self-isolation. Which is why she started a creative project.

More info: martagrossi.com | Instagram | behance.net | linkedin.com | pinterest.com

Image credits: martabunny

We asked Marta what inspired this series: “The inspiration came from my quarantine and forced lockdown. I finished all my papers and support for drawings – because I got stuck alone in Milan – where I came temporarily for some working projects. I only had luggage with some clothes and a set of pocket watercolors with me. I can ironically say that my new art project ‘Wash your hands and keep creative’ was commissioned by COVID. I am sure I would never have created this project in other circumstances!”

Image credits: martabunny

Marta painted flowers, waves, animals, and many other things on the porcelain surface, which was perfect for a reusable canvas. Colorful and happy images paired with practicing her skills made for a good way to spend those long days in quarantine. The beautiful images gave her hope and helped her find beauty in unexpected places. She tells us about her favorite part of the project: “Waking up in the morning and finding a new story in the bathroom. Everyday. Definitely the messages by people – waiting for the new sink – and telling me that my art was helping them to keep positive during the pandemic. I realized that creativity was not only helping me but especially the people around me.”

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Image credits: martabunny

“I am a very instinctive person, especially in the creative field, many of my first subjects were related to the world of nature. Unconsciously, I felt the need to see everything that my eyes could not see outside. I imagined spring coming out of that sink, cherry blossoms, the sea, wisteria, corals. But also Asian references – such as the panda, or the blue china – graffiti and more abstract patterns. Later, I intentionally designed some of the subjects, reflecting on the ergonomic shape of the sink. The common thread is human emotions, related to the world of nature-botany, music, and daily inspirations” – said Marta when asked how she chose what to draw every day.

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Image credits: martabunny

Marta shares with us why she chose to use the sink as a canvas and not any other part of her home: “I realized how many times I’ve heard the phrase “Wash your hands”, how I began to detest the sink because it had become a mechanical action and underlined the fear and anxiety rapidly growing everywhere.

The sink quickly became my temporary canvas. Unexpected and very complicated, definitely one of the most changeable supports I’ve ever painted on. Once again, I realized that we can look at the same things with different eyes.

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The water element that dissolves the work in the sink is substantial. Not only does it transform the image and give it a unique context, but it simply makes it temporary and ephemeral. The temporary nature of something leads us to appreciate its content more. To enjoy every single moment, to fully live in the present.”

Image credits: martabunny

We asked the artist why she chose to become a painter and do art: “I think I’ve always had this creative energy inside me. Since I was a little girl, I was drawing, painting, and observing colors and palette. My curiosity led me to explore this side of me, to study and train and learn different techniques. In the years since, I found a way to merge my work as a creative director and artist. Because I need balance and structure to direct some crazy ideas.

More than talent, I consider this ability an incredible power. The simple fact we are here talking is because something I created and painted caused a reaction.

My work is a continuous exploration of humans, emotions, and nature. The inspiration between little things, to celebrate creativity and beauty in daily life. A signal on the street, a song, a peeling wall, soy-sauce stains on a table. Everything.”

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Image credits: martabunny

“I would love to find a way to physically exhibit my ‘Wash your hands and keep creative’ project somewhere. I know the sinks no longer exist, but the pictures and the memories will be here forever. This is not just my story, this is the story of all. I just found a creative way to make it visible.

At the moment, I am going with the flow post-COVID. Like many creatives, my work was affected by the pandemic and many projects and events were canceled. I am positive and believe that this time will create new opportunities and ways of living. I am working on some new projects. To stay updated, check out my digital portfolio and my Instagram.”

Image credits: martabunny

Martha shares what keeps her motivated to create art: “I go out for a walk, I cycle, I stay in nature, listen to music and observe the world around me. If we look around – everything can be an inspiration.”

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Image credits: martabunny

The artist tells us how quarantine has affected her and her lifestyle: “I have a positive mindset and I try to focus on the good, taking this as a lesson and learning something from it. Sometimes the biggest lessons come through pain. And we must accept it to go on. It was not easy to be totally isolated and alone for almost 3 months and it was an important experience of resiliency for me.

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Mother Nature is growing while we stop, our air is cleaning itself up, and we need to remember it is all connected. Every little action is a dot linked to someone or something else. We can’t think individually but as part of a team.

I am convinced this crisis can be a transformation and an opportunity for the ones who keep an open mind and an open heart.”

Image credits: martabunny

“To find beauty in unexpected places is a daily exercise, a mindset. A choice. I wish all of your readers stay safe, look around, be curious, and never stop creating.”

What do you think of these paintings? Maybe you can try and use your sink as a canvas and see what you come up with? After all, if you don’t like it, you can just wash it away.

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

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Image credits: martabunny

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Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

Image credits: martabunny

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troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The washing away is actually a common practice in some traditional Buddhist mandalas. Monks will create an intricate and perfectly symmetrical mandala over several days using colored sand, and then almost immediately wipe it away (and sometimes pour the sand into a river). This lesson of impermanence teaches them to love and appreciate, without the burden of attachment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgoHUH-_yWo

alanwilkening avatar
Podunkus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And sidewalk artists do this with chalk, creating intricate works that last until the next rainstorm comes.

Load More Replies...
florapolvado avatar
Catlady6000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of these , I don't know if I could have let them wash away, they were just to beautiful.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am learning to let go! I will create some permanent pieces in the future! Marta (the artist)

Load More Replies...
ritaggph avatar
RitaGG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just came over here because I didn't want the pictures of the hairless cats to be the last thing that I looked at before I went to bed.

hellodolly avatar
Hello Dolly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The paintings are awesome! I do something similar where I put a lot of effort into cleaning than my kid goes behind and destroys it in 2mins flat. Rinse and repeat everyday. :p on a serious note these really are beautiful and some quite photorealistic.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahahah would love to see some of your kids artwork! Thank you for you lovely comment, I am the artist behind this and messages like yours are so important for me. Love, Marta

Load More Replies...
gabyk421 avatar
b l a n c
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the blue temple one, and the caterpillar one (of course)! i also liked all the nature ones with flowery branches and leafs stretching across the sink. very lovely & pretty. this artists is quite creative :D

cover-nineteen avatar
Mari
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are gorgeous. I wish i was as talented as she is

madisonfeehan avatar
Madison Feehan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should be criminal to wash these beautiful artworks down the drain! (Seriously, get some shellac and save those!) A very talented artist!

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Madison! thanks for the compliment! I had to use that sink to wash me hahahaha, anyway will consider to do more sinks and put some resin one day. Best, Marta

Load More Replies...
onlyifpanda avatar
Only If Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine painting in the sink and accidentally turned the sink water on...

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahahah it happened many times! You have no idea... Also one morning I woke up and open the water to wash my face! And totally forgot I painted on the sink.

Load More Replies...
earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually an interesting idea to do with water resistant paint.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Martha, I will surely think about it in the future. Glad you like my art.

Load More Replies...
trinitycochrane5 avatar
ThreeOfAKind
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s cool how you can just wash them away (after you’ve taken a photo of course) and do a new one.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

totally, that's was my creative concept! Thank you for sharing your comments.

Load More Replies...
j-andrew avatar
Jean Andrew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you should contact a retailer and some of those pictures could be painted permanently. I bet the sinks would be big sellers

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Jean, that is actually part of the plan. let's see what can I do now, out of quarantine. Thank you for your interest in my work! Hugs, Marta

Load More Replies...
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was enjoying these but my mind kept leaping to things I wanted to see crawling out of the drain. Crocolciles, rats, snakes...mermaids!

anita-marx2 avatar
Anita Marx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people, maybe me, would spend money for a sink decorated by this artist. Show her work to Villeroy & Boch, may you be surprised.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Anita! Thanks fo you message! Happy you like my art. I would love to create some permanent decorated art! And open to do collaboration with International brands.

Load More Replies...
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yes, let's all start washing paint down the drain. F**k the environment. Who needs clean water anyway?

trinitycochrane5 avatar
ThreeOfAKind
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The washing away is actually a common practice in some traditional Buddhist mandalas. Monks will create an intricate and perfectly symmetrical mandala over several days using colored sand, and then almost immediately wipe it away (and sometimes pour the sand into a river). This lesson of impermanence teaches them to love and appreciate, without the burden of attachment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgoHUH-_yWo

alanwilkening avatar
Podunkus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And sidewalk artists do this with chalk, creating intricate works that last until the next rainstorm comes.

Load More Replies...
florapolvado avatar
Catlady6000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of these , I don't know if I could have let them wash away, they were just to beautiful.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am learning to let go! I will create some permanent pieces in the future! Marta (the artist)

Load More Replies...
ritaggph avatar
RitaGG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just came over here because I didn't want the pictures of the hairless cats to be the last thing that I looked at before I went to bed.

hellodolly avatar
Hello Dolly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The paintings are awesome! I do something similar where I put a lot of effort into cleaning than my kid goes behind and destroys it in 2mins flat. Rinse and repeat everyday. :p on a serious note these really are beautiful and some quite photorealistic.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahahah would love to see some of your kids artwork! Thank you for you lovely comment, I am the artist behind this and messages like yours are so important for me. Love, Marta

Load More Replies...
gabyk421 avatar
b l a n c
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i loved the blue temple one, and the caterpillar one (of course)! i also liked all the nature ones with flowery branches and leafs stretching across the sink. very lovely & pretty. this artists is quite creative :D

cover-nineteen avatar
Mari
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are gorgeous. I wish i was as talented as she is

madisonfeehan avatar
Madison Feehan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should be criminal to wash these beautiful artworks down the drain! (Seriously, get some shellac and save those!) A very talented artist!

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Madison! thanks for the compliment! I had to use that sink to wash me hahahaha, anyway will consider to do more sinks and put some resin one day. Best, Marta

Load More Replies...
onlyifpanda avatar
Only If Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine painting in the sink and accidentally turned the sink water on...

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahahah it happened many times! You have no idea... Also one morning I woke up and open the water to wash my face! And totally forgot I painted on the sink.

Load More Replies...
earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually an interesting idea to do with water resistant paint.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Martha, I will surely think about it in the future. Glad you like my art.

Load More Replies...
trinitycochrane5 avatar
ThreeOfAKind
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s cool how you can just wash them away (after you’ve taken a photo of course) and do a new one.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

totally, that's was my creative concept! Thank you for sharing your comments.

Load More Replies...
j-andrew avatar
Jean Andrew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you should contact a retailer and some of those pictures could be painted permanently. I bet the sinks would be big sellers

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Jean, that is actually part of the plan. let's see what can I do now, out of quarantine. Thank you for your interest in my work! Hugs, Marta

Load More Replies...
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was enjoying these but my mind kept leaping to things I wanted to see crawling out of the drain. Crocolciles, rats, snakes...mermaids!

anita-marx2 avatar
Anita Marx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people, maybe me, would spend money for a sink decorated by this artist. Show her work to Villeroy & Boch, may you be surprised.

grossi-marta avatar
Marta Grossi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Anita! Thanks fo you message! Happy you like my art. I would love to create some permanent decorated art! And open to do collaboration with International brands.

Load More Replies...
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yes, let's all start washing paint down the drain. F**k the environment. Who needs clean water anyway?

trinitycochrane5 avatar
ThreeOfAKind
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
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