"This is my art and it is dangerous!" The Delia Deetz Beetlejuice Sculpture.

Embracing My Inner Delia Deetz: A Personal Journey in Beetlejuice-Inspired Sculpture

When people say things like, “This house looks like Beetlejuice,” or “Your art reminds me of Beetlejuice,” it can make you pause and question your creative direction. I could easily take it as a critique, but instead, I choose to see it as a compliment. Why? Because Beetlejuice has been a deeply cherished part of my life since childhood. Not because of the title character, ghosts, or the memorable “Day-O” dance scene (though they’re all unforgettable), but because of the film’s immersive artistic world, eccentric characters, and vibrant 1980s New York art scene. The groundbreaking set design, the iconic aesthetic, and, of course, the one-of-a-kind sculptures made the movie a defining inspiration for me.

Which brings me to my latest project—a personal tribute to Delia Deetz’s art in Beetlejuice. For years, I dreamed of having those bizarre, organic sculptures casually displayed around the house. You know, like any regular family might. After all, what Northeast Arkansas home wouldn’t look more complete with an ominous, towering sculpture in the dining room?

The idea struck me while helping out with prop and set design at a local Halloween haunt. I thought, why not try my hand at recreating Delia’s sculptures myself? Sure, I don’t have an endless amount of free time, but it’s something I feel compelled to do as an artist. Here in a small town where Pinterest pallet art is the pinnacle of creative expression, it’s refreshing to push boundaries and be a little weird.

Finding Inspiration and Starting the Creative Process

When I decided to embark on this project, my first challenge was gathering enough photo references of Delia’s sculptures. Limited screenshots and sparse images of her iconic artwork from the movie forced me to get creative in interpreting the details. But that was all part of the thrill—designing from a place of imagination and inspired memory, mixed with a little “make it up as you go” energy.

The process started with constructing an armature, or a framework to support the sculpture’s structure. The goal was to build something that captured the otherworldly, flowing forms of Delia’s original pieces, while still holding together for display. From the beginning, I aimed to make a sculpture that was about six feet tall—the kind of art that makes a statement, a piece you can’t miss when you walk into a room.

Gathering Materials and Learning Along the Way

Once the framework was in place, it was time to dive into the more challenging part: sculpting the piece itself. I found myself experimenting with various sculpting materials, many of which were new to me. Each batch of material taught me something different—sometimes it was a lesson in patience, sometimes a reminder that art materials can have a mind of their own. After hours of trial and error, I started to get a sense of the right mix of elements, creating a texture that echoed the organic, alien-like qualities of Delia’s sculptures.

Sculpting has always been a therapeutic process for me. There’s a rhythm to it, a repetitive process that lets you lose track of time and forget the little stresses of the day. As I sculpted, I imagined I was channeling Delia Deetz herself—eccentric, misunderstood, and boldly creating art that defied the norm. I embraced the imperfections and unexpected details, knowing that the irregularities would only add to the sculpture’s personality.

Bringing Delia’s Art to Life: The Final Outcome

The final product, which I affectionately call the “Tree Sculpture,” is six feet of odd, twisting, almost tree-like forms that feel both eerie and mesmerizing. It has the commanding presence I’d envisioned—one of those “conversation pieces” you see in modern art museums.

This first piece has given me a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s a tribute to the whimsical, surreal nature of Beetlejuice and a way of honoring a film that played such a pivotal role in my early artistic development. Every time I look at the sculpture, I feel a connection to that offbeat, rebellious energy that Beetlejuice brought to life.

Sculpting as a Form of Personal Expression

Creating this piece reminded me of why I love sculpting. There’s a vulnerability in sharing something so personal and unconventional, especially in a place where art can be more conservative. But there’s also strength in standing by your vision and creating for the sake of personal fulfillment. Art, in its purest form, should challenge perceptions and push boundaries.

I don’t expect everyone to understand or appreciate what I’ve created, but I do hope it sparks curiosity or even a bit of inspiration in others. In a world of Pinterest-perfect decor, there’s something freeing about art that’s messy, intense, and even a little unsettling. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to fit into neat boxes or match the furniture. Sometimes, it’s about making a statement, or even creating a bit of delightful chaos.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for My Beetlejuice Sculptures

I’m already itching to start on the next piece. There are several more sculptures from Beetlejuice that I want to recreate, each with its own quirky, alien-like character. As time allows, I’ll continue working on these “supporting pieces,” hoping to eventually have a collection worthy of Delia Deetz herself.

In many ways, this project has been a love letter to the film that ignited my creative spark years ago. The experience has rekindled my passion for hands-on artistry and for creating things that are unique, personal, and just a little bit weird. Art, for me, has always been about following that inner voice, the one that says, “Why not try something different?”

A Closing Thought

If you’re ever inspired to bring your own version of a favorite film, character, or art style to life, I encourage you to take the leap. Creativity thrives on curiosity and the willingness to dive into the unknown. Even if you’re crafting something that might only be understood by a select few, it’s worth the journey. Because at the end of the day, art is an extension of who we are—a way of communicating what words alone can’t capture.

So, here’s to Delia Deetz, Beetlejuice, and all the weird, wonderful, and outlandish art that keeps the creative spirit alive. Thank you for following along with my journey, and I hope this project brings a touch of the Beetlejuice magic to your day.

Joshua Hudson - Beetlejuice sculpture

Joshua Hudson - Beetlejuice sculpture

Joshua Hudson - Beetlejuice sculpture

Joshua Hudson - Beetlejuice Sculpture