# Marshmallow-Painted Muses Painter Derek Buckner Creates Comforting Pictures with Marshmallows By Tracy Wallace | Published 2011-04-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-painted-muses-painter-derek-buckner-creates-comforting-pictures References: [artstormer](http://artstormer.com/2011/04/07/light-as-a-feather-paintings-by-derek-buckner/) & [derekbuckner](http://www.derekbuckner.com/derekbuckner.com/Paintings/Pages/Marshmallows.html) Marshmallows are the muse in a series of paintings by artist Derek Buckner. Don't they just fit today's American mood? People are becoming tired of worrying about what is going to happen next, and would rather rest on a feeling of comfort, and what says comfort more than marshmallows? Marshmallows look soft but actually have a firmness and Buckner captures that. Each sweet pillow catches the light and casts a shadow without melting or looking sticky despite the pressure of having to perform even when they might not want to. Sound familiar? But marshmallows, just like hard work, offers the sweet taste of success. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Comfort-inspired Art:** Using comforting and familiar items or themes in artwork to evoke positive emotions in viewers. - **Unconventional Mediums:** Exploring and utilizing unexpected materials or objects in creative projects to challenge traditional methods. - **Sensory Art:** Creating art that engages multiple senses, such as incorporating textures or smells, to enhance the viewing experience. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** Incorporating food and beverage themes or ingredients into non-traditional products or projects to appeal to consumers' senses and emotions. - **Art and Design:** Capitalizing on the trend of unconventional mediums and sensory art to create unique, engaging, and marketable artwork. - **Wellness:** Using comfort-inspired art as a means to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall mental health in both personal and professional settings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Decorative Holiday Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-marshmallow.md) - [Marshmallow-Inspired Pillows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-pillow.md) - [High-Quality Chocolatey Marshmallow Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mallow-marsh.md) - [Easter Marshmallow DIY Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dip-and-decorate-dozen.md) - [Chocolate Chip Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smore-speckled-marshmallow.md) - [Freeze-Dried Marshmallow Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshmallow-crunch.md) - [Easter-Themed Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetpuffed-1.md) - [Festive Decorated Marshmallows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/williams-sonoma.md) - [Aerated Marshmallow Toppings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shmallow.md)