For the past few decades, vandalism has slowly been earning a place in the art world, thanks to the rise of street artists like Banksy and the fact that some cities are even encouraging graffiti as a form of public art. Now, young aspiring artists/vandals who have an environmentalist bent can get in on the zeitgeist, too, thanks to moss graffiti. Moss graffiti is exactly what it sounds like: moss, it turns out, is very easy to grow, and if you use a special concoction, you can turn it into a paint which will eventually grow wherever you paint it. Here’s the recipe:
Photo: Elena Dijour/Shutterstock
Moss Graffiti: A Green Take on Vandalism
- 3 cups of moss (just moss – not whatever it was sticking to before)
- 2 cups of water or beer
- 2 cups of plain yogurt (or buttermilk)
- 1/2 a teaspoon of sugar
- Corn syrup
Basically, you just need to find the moss, and clean it so it’s just moss.
Then, put it in a blender with the water, yogurt, and sugar, and blend it until it’s totally smooth.
It should have a paint-like texture, but if you don’t want it to drip, you can add corn syrup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Then you can paint it in whatever design you want. It will take a few weeks to grow, so you can check in occasionally to spray the moss with water if it needs it or to apply a second coat.
And voila! With a little artistry and care, you’ve got amazing green art.
Welcome to the future, vandals. 