Garbage in, Garbage out

Trash cans are everywhere. Every household has to have one, sometimes several, but they are usually kept hidden away as if in shame.  Although they provide a vital service, they are rarely celebrated, but there are those who buck the trend.  Some people will go to great lengths to decorate their receptacles.

Different countries may adorn their cans in different ways.  In many Latin American countries, there are cans that are vividly painted.  They may depict something that reflects the local environment like a palm tree if the can is near the coast or perhaps some cacti if the vessel is found somewhere in the desert of northern Mexico.  They may also be gaily adorned with matadors and bulls.
Monsters are a subject of choice for trash cans found in several areas.  In places where Halloween is a spook filled holiday, the month of October can be a time to paint the can with a ghost or a devil or maybe a picture of a pirate.  Depending on the artist’s abilities, their can be witches, warlocks, and a host of demons.

Art not Meant to Get Respect

Trash can art seldom lasts for long.  It lies exposed to the elements and gets banged around all the time.  Nasty spills occur around the cans all the time.  The work will get dented and fade over time.  All this is understood at the time of origination and so not that much time and care is taken in the design.  These things tend to be a spur of the moment project.  Kids may just up and decide that it is time to paint the can.