If you have ever had the words “WASH ME” smeared in the layers of dust coating your car take heart this story may give you new perspective on your cleaning habits.
If the test of a true artist comes from seeing art in everything then Scott Wade is well on his way to becoming the Picasso of dust art.
Every few weeks Wade drives his Mini Cooper up and down a gravelly road near his Texas home until it is well coated in limestone dust. Then the self-proclaimed “dirty-car artist” goes to work. His car’s dusty windows become his canvas while tiny brushes are used to “paint” detailed works of art.
Log onto Wade’s website and you’ll see his gallery of dusty masterpieces. The 48-year-old artist has painted a likeness of the Mona Lisa, superimposed over a replica of van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” You can also see his rendition of the black-velvet classic of dogs playing poker. But, that’s not all; Wade also brushed out Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” in the dusty canvas of his Mini Cooper’s windshield.
Wade’s works of art weren’t always as intricate. His website reveals that his first drawings were made from finger scratchings. From there he advanced to frayed Popsicle sticks and brushes. Wade says it takes about 10-14 days with a little rain to develop the right consistency of dust that doesn’t blow away. In some cases Wade says he coats his windshield with vegetable oil so dust sticks faster. And, speed Wade says is key. He says he can whip out a piece in about an hour, any longer and the dust can get too thick and clumpy to work with, especially if it has been baking in the sun too long.
Since his art is temporary, Wade has made a practice of documenting his dusty creations. He says he now has enough pictures to put together a coffee table book.
So the next time you catch your child etching out a portrait on your dusty windshield, don’t stop him–who knows–you may have a budding “dirty car artist” on your hands.
Related Articles: