"Chose to Be Whole" Mixed Media Sculpture - 20" x 16"

The Inspiration

A seascape painted plaster sculpture.

Painted/named from a poem written by Kayla (see images.) Each of the paintings in this series revolves around turning broken items into new works of art. From pieces of antique furniture, to architectural salvage and mended antique frames, these works are symbolic of using the damaged and broken fragments of life and turning them into something exquisitely whole. These salvaged items are ones Kayla has collected for over a decade. While they wouldn't otherwise seem to have a purpose, Kayla thought they were still worth being saved, giving them a new life of beauty and reason.

November 6th, 2025 marks the 5 year anniversary of the day she chose to take her own life- which was her 30th birthday. After a childhood of family trauma, abuse and consequently- multiple chronic illnesses- Kayla was struggling mentally and physically. In a wild twist of events, the forest she had chosen was cleared the day before the date she'd picked. She took that as a sign and stayed earthside. A few weeks later, she decided if she was going to stay, she had nothing left to lose and set out to "fail" at something she'd always wanted to do but knew she'd be no good at: oil paint. She ordered a set of cheap paints off Amazon, and the rest is... not history, but here, on this website you're browsing.

Kayla shares her story so others can benefit in knowing a life can still be made whole, even through brokenness. Healing and hope is never off the table, even if, in desperation and at the bottom of the pit, the light feels so far away. Let this be your sign: it does get better.

The Details

Total size: 20" x 16"

Weight: 8lb

This piece is included in this collection because of what it represents: a beautiful image on plaster that's made to feel as if it's straight from ancient Pompeii, with cracks, crevices and purposeful imperfections. Each of the "flaws" has been carved by Kayla with a variety of antique tools, to give it a look and feel that's entirely unique. It took 8 months to get the right plaster mixture ratios (traditional plaster is quite brittle) to withstand decades, and several weeks of carving and layering different paint types to achieve the waves. (One of Kayla's favorite pieces ever!)

It's been varnished then sealed with beeswax to give it a matte sheen. Please avoid hanging in direct sunlight. Ready to hang with painted sides.

Donations

A portion of all proceeds from this sale will go toward Hope For The Day, a nonprofit whose mission is to encourage conversation surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.

Another portion of the proceeds will go toward Help of Beaufort, the local food bank in Kayla's town of Beaufort, SC, in the form of groceries and supplies.

(Both nonprofits are linked in case you'd like to make your own donation in honor of Kayla's 35th birthday.)

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Shipping

Free shipping to anywhere within the continental US.

This painting will ship in approx. 3 weeks because it is freshly painted and needs time to dry before varnish, then needs a little more time before shipment.

Pricing

After 48 hours of being listing, if still available, this painting becomes eligible for an invoice-based payment plan. This payment series is interest-free and is simply the cost of the painting spread out over (up to) 3 payments, spaced a month apart. Managed by Kayla, with no credit check. Please email Hello@KaylaDeVitoFineArt.com to inquire.

Chosen prices are a direct correlation of time spent creating. Some paintings take 10 hours and some take several months of 60+ hours of work plus dry times between layers. The value, rarity and ornateness of each frame (or lack thereof) is also taken into account.

Prints

Prints will not be made of this painting.