Finding Freedom in Paint, Paper, and a Little Chaos
Some of my favourite moments when creating happen when I stop worrying about keeping everything neat. There’s something freeing about letting the process take over—whether it’s paint on my hands, scraps of paper sticking to my fingers, or glue on the table. It’s a little chaotic, but in the best way.
Paint on My Hands
When I’m painting, I don’t wear gloves. The paint I use is non-toxic and easy to wash off, so there’s no real reason to avoid it. But more than that, I like the way it feels—like I’m part of the artwork itself. The smears and streaks are proof that I was fully in it, moving colour around, blending, pushing, pulling, and making choices in real time.
Messy, hands-on creating has even been shown to boost emotional wellbeing. In fact, art therapy research links tactile creative activities to improved mood and reduced stress.
The Collage Chaos
The same joy shows up when I’m working on a collage. I might start neatly—placing cut-out shapes or patterned papers with care—but at some point, it turns into play. I start moving pieces around just to see what might happen, layering one thing over another, and adding glue without overthinking. My hands get tacky, bits of paper cling to my fingertips, and the table slowly transforms into a creative explosion.
Collage has deep artistic roots, from its early use in Chinese calligraphy to the radical reinvention of the medium by Picasso and Braque. If you’re curious, this history of collage offers a fascinating look at how cutting and pasting became a respected art form.
Why the Mess Matters
Messy hands are a reminder that art isn’t just about the finished piece—it’s about the process. It’s about experimenting, making changes on the fly, and being open to surprises. As The Mess and the Magic describes so well, chaos in art-making can lead to unexpected discoveries and a deeper connection with the work.
Tips for Embracing the Mess
Set up a “creative zone” – Have a space where you don’t mind getting a little messy. A table cover or drop cloth can take away the worry of spills.
Keep extra materials nearby – More paper scraps, extra paint, and a spare brush can keep the momentum going.
Don’t pause to clean too soon – Stay in the flow. You can tidy up later.
See the mess as a record of the process – Smudges, splatters, and scraps are visual proof of creativity at work.
If you’ve never tried a messy, tactile project before, something simple like magazine collage art can be a great start. It’s accessible, inexpensive, and perfect for embracing imperfection while still making something beautiful.
It's All Connected
The mess becomes part of the memory of making. Every smudge and scrap feels like a little souvenir from the process, a reminder of the time you spent creating for the joy of it—not just for the result. And to me, that’s one of the most satisfying parts of being an artist.
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