Stencils open up innumerable possibilities for decorative and, let’s say it, utilitarian expression. Prehistoric man and his “fairer” counterpart were as well-aware of the fact as today’s top fine and applied arts majors. Although, with some effort, one could probably find a stencil that gives even the most awkward of clumsy-thumbs a rather true (if minimalist) likeness of the Mona Lisa, it’s also the supremely gifted masterpiece forger, who uses his mightily capable brushstrokes and nonpareil detailist eye for good, not evil, that will find a kindness in the usefulness of a simple standard or custom stencil.

Outside of the art world, or just in the space beyond the domains of museums or big New York- and London-based auction houses, who hasn’t seen the advantageous and practical ends to which civic authorities deploy the humble parking lot stencil? The evidence for their highly credible utilizations is plain for the eye to see and the mind to grasp at every mall parking lot visited. Without the commendable numerical or lettered stenciling, how would the big- and small-car drivers of the world — because who cannot claim acquaintanceship to at least one individual able to manage parking on one type only? — figure out where their compact or non-compact cars fit otherwise?
Another constituency aided by number stencils, harried landlords, who, overrun with worry as their lot can only be expected to be, are able to at least point their tenants to a designated parking space.

They, thereby, so admirably avoid many a dispute among the multiple, and frequently pugnacious, building-mates they manage.

Although there are adventurist stenciling souls with a taste for the back-to-basics glory and sense of novelty imparted by the use of stencils made of vegetable fibers, manila card, or even animal skins, most stencilers find contentment (and great practicality) through polyester film and Mylar stencils. It should not be forgotten, however, there are stencil artists who focus not just on the final design outcome, after the paint has been expertly applied through the stencils, but on the shaping and cutting of the stencil itself. Some people prefer one aspect of stenciling to another, some people prefer both, and some people just go online to get their stencils!

Sam Walters is a writer living in Los Angeles. Her writing appears in print and online.