Patina is a thin layer that forms on
the surface of stone, copper,
bronze
and similar metals (tarnish produced by oxidation or
other chemical processes); a sheen on wooden furniture produced by age, wear, and
polishing; or any such acquired change of a surface through age and exposure.
Patinas can provide a protective covering to materials that would otherwise be
damaged by corrosion or weathering. They may also be aesthetically appealing.
This
month’s Blog Carnival topic is “patinas”.
While the original intent of the assignment was no doubt the common
practice of applying patinas to metal, patination also refers to the
accumulated changes in surface texture and colour that result from normal use
of an object such as a coin over time.
Of course all of this can be said of people
too. That part about “may also be
aesthetically appealing”, is where things get really interesting where people
are concerned.
For
instance, Billy Gibby here, who tattooed the web address of several porn sites
on his face as part of a breakthrough idea to become a human billboard. Don’t get us wrong, we love the art of tatau,
particularly as practiced by indigenous cultures the world over. And far be for us to dredge up that old saw
“but what will it look like when you get old?!!” 50 years from now we’re all
going to look like shit and people will still be watching porn. 
The
patina people exhibit over the years often goes far below the surface, and the
accumulated age, wear, texture and polishing exhibits itself in so many strange
and beautiful ways – or not. In the
worst cases, we just end up scared and damaged from years of abuse, frequently
self-inflicted. In the best of cases we acquire a glowing inner light and perspective
enhanced by accumulated experience and knowledge.
And
then there’s Charlie Manson who, in a supreme twist of irony, looks like
someone’s grandpa, except …what’s that on your grandpa’s forehead!?
Patina.
