We often think that buying art is a luxury, an indulgence for us to appreciate the beauty of the artwork. But what if the art we buy could serve a greater purpose than just being aesthetically pleasing? What if art could be eco-friendly too? In this journal entry, we will look into this a bit more including looking into what and how art is actually capable of being eco-friendly.
What does it mean to be Eco-Friendly?
I must admit that this is quite a large topic in itself, and the deeper you look into it, it can be quite easy to take a nihilistic view of this. Broadly speaking, being eco-friendly is living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. My view on this, is a bit more practical, as I think it is so difficult to change and adapt every single aspect of your life so that it is friendlier to the environment.
To me, being eco-friendly is adapting our lifestyle to reduce the impact we have on the environment as much as our knowledge, finances, energy and time allows. Being aware of the various options - the non eco-friendly ones and eco-friendly ones - available to you and and making a conscious choice about it that is a compromise between what is best for you and the environment, I think, is the best you can do.
So, what is Eco-Friendly Art?
In the context of art, eco-friendly art is art that is made with materials that have been sustainably sourced or created by minimising the effect on the environment - whether it is limiting waste or water consumption or making art without the use of harmful hazardous materials that have an adverse effect on the environment. It also means increasing the environmental awareness of the art making process and the finished artwork themselves. The way that the art is sold and displayed can also be adapted to be more sustainable.
How can Art be sustainable?
Artists in themselves are creative, and in their creativity and curiosity, there will always be artists that experiment and adapt to make their art more sustainable. This shift will also be further bolstered by the ongoing focus of importance of protecting our planet. There are a many ways which art can be made eco-friendly, without compromising on the quality or the beauty of it.
In terms of materials use, some artists turn to the use of recycled or upcycled materials to create their art, including the use of waste materials that would normally be recycled. The materials used could also be from a sustainable source and be easily recycled, biodegradable or compostable. An example includes considering the use of acrylic paints as it uses a plastic polymer binder, using sustainably made fabrics or using reclaimed wood.
Looking at the processes, many artists have adapted their creative practices to be more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. This includes reducing the waste of materials and repurposing them, proper disposal or harmful materials or replacing the use of environmentally harmful materials. Some artists have turned to the use of digital technologies to create their artwork to reduce the use and waste of materials. And then, the way that the art is sold and displayed could also be considered. Examples include the use of packaging the artwork with plastic free or recyclable materials. Displaying the artwork in recycled wood or sustainably sourced wood frames could also be considered.
Examples of Sustainable Art
Leslie Espino uses waste materials to create these beautiful scenic artworks, whilst also raising awareness about various environmental causes.
Cecilia Levy creates beautiful art sculptures inspired by nature from old book pages.
Can Eco-Friendly Art actually make a positive change?
In short, the answer is yes. Eco-friendly art can act as a visual reminder to us of the importance of environmental issues, to inspire us and spread awareness. It can be used to educate too and inform people about the optics of climate change, pollution and conservation. It can be used to highlight the importance of sustainable practices, even in art, and continue to encourage people to find ways to reduce their environmental impact. By increasing the awareness of it, it encourages changes. Artists will be more conscious of it and adapt their methods, whilst collectors such as yourselves will be more open to buying high quality and eco friendly art.
Also, the very way that artists are changing their creative processes and using sustainable, recycled or upcycled materials is already a positive for the environment.
In conclusion, art can be created that is not only high quality and beautiful but also eco-friendly. There are many that art can be made more sustainable, so collecting art for your home, you can be greeted with a wide variety of art that will be suitable. It is more than just decoration for your home, but also a brilliant way for you to make a statement that eco friendly practices matter ad to raise awareness.
Why not browse the sustainable art that Bert and Roxy has to offer to start off your eco-friendly art collection? Be inspired by the various artwork I have to offer. As a very curious eco-conscious creative, I have taken the time and effort to develop artworks that are luxurious and long lasting, but with equally good environmental credentials.
Notes:
Browse Bert and Roxy Eco Friendly Giclée Prints
Browse Bert and Roxy Sustainable Linocuts
See more on Bert and Roxy’s sustainability practices
