I have been writing some articles lately on the subject of recycled artwork and recycled projects. Like many other artists I really enjoy using numerous mediums. In recent years I started questioning my own use of certain paints and other materials that contain various harmful toxins. I started shying away from oil paints and printmaking due to this very reason. I absolutely loved these art forms, however I had to hold myself accountable whenever I made the decision to use the products required to produce them. It can be easy to be unconscious and not give it a second thought. Personally, I want to avoid leaving a larger carbon footprint on this earth. I want to do my part and not just say, “Oh, well…..a little paint here and there doesn’t matter”.
I simply want to encourage other artists to try and think outside the box when it comes to the products they choose when creating their masterpieces. I found a few different places so far that carry environmentally friendly art supplies. I was pleasantly surprised to find some online art supply companies actually endorsing green products. A few of these stores have found excellent items to replace the more toxic ones they formerly sold. These days we are fortunate to have some choices. We can buy more eco friendly pencils, paints, thinners, solvents, art boards and the list goes on. Some of these same businesses have even taken it one step further by installing solar heating and lighting fixtures throughout their facilities.
Exploring new ways to express our ideas and imagination can be very exciting. It gives us a chance to grow and see how abundance is all around us. There were times when I could not afford paint, brushes or canvas. I used what I had at the time. I bet there are many artists who can relate. I took an old chewed up pencil and piece of paper to draw something instead of painting it. I took hours with this drawing….it was all I had. It turned out to be one of my favorite creations. The time spent shading and adding details taught me volumes. Another time I used colored pencils for a project. Some of these pencils were over 25 years old and the new ones I needed were made of recycled materials. I found out Crayola Crayon company seems to have instituted some policies that make great sense on how to run a “green” business.
I hope some of my fellow artists will take the time to research the current products now being sold. Or even find a new art form that only uses natural or recycled items. Anyone interested in reading more on the
“Miss Betty”/Maqqde from Natural and Recycled Materials
subject can click on the links below to a few of my articles. Wishing everyone much success and continued motivation to bring more beauty into this world!
Green Art Supplies Much Easier To Find These Days
Recycle Artwork: Paper Mache vs. Taxidermy
Recycled Artwork Can Contain Numerous Materials
Fun and Easy Recycled Art Projects For Children of All Ages
www.rexart.com
I never thought of art supplies as being a source of toxins before. I am glad you have brought awareness to this issue and hope other artist will follow suit. Your right, we have to all be more environmentally conscience as there are more and more of us contributing to the problem.