How one artist is turning messes into masterpieces

Usually we prefer coffee when it stays in the cup. But we’re making an exception for one artist.

Using spilled coffee, wine, and more, 28-year-old illustrator Giulia Bernardelli truly embraces the Bob Ross philosophy of turning mistakes into happy little accidents — and the results are all kinds of glorious. Cake crumbs become portraits of famous artists, melted chocolate is transformed into a trio of laughing faces, and honey into a ballerina on a tightrope. Her work is whimsical, dreamy, and just plain impressive, and we seriously can’t get enough of it.

According to The Washington Post, Bernardelli discovered spilled drinks as a medium about a year ago, after she accidentally knocked a cup of coffee over and realized its artistic potential. To date, none of her messy masterpieces are planned in advance. Rather, Bernadelli embraces the organic nature of the medium, and discovers what the piece will be as she goes along.

“For example, when I drink coffee, I reflect on the nuances that I could create if I turned it over on the table,” she told Huffington Post France.

And the spontaneous vibes of her work extend beyond subject matter, as well. Along with her “paint,” Bernardelli embraces using natural materials for her tools, too.

“Everything that I needed was around me, if I looked carefully,” she told The Washington Post. “I decided to replace the paint brush with what nature offered, such as leaves, fruit skins, food. All these elements feature different colors and textures.”

Check out a few of our favorite pieces below, and head over to her Instagram @bernulia for more.

(Images via Giulia Bernardelli/Instagram.)

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