SUSTAINABILITY IN THE WORLD OF ART

 

“Our culture is evolving at this time to become more active and socially conscious. Talks about sustainability, the environment, and social consciousness are being led by creative industries including fashion, architecture, and visual arts. Such movement is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in art by fusing ecological responsibility with creative innovation. In the first half of this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of environmentally conscious art, beginning from defining it, digging into its history, examining a variety of cutting-edge sustainable materials, up to discovering interesting ways on how to incorporate them into your artwork."

Sustainability in art has sparked the creation of ground-breaking pieces that combine cutting-edge technologies and materials that deliver strong messages about social issues such as injustice, political instability, and climate change. Now, what is sustainable art in its entirety and who are the real superheroes that are still in the battlefield today? The concluding half of this article examines sustainability artists' works, their categories in the field, and their specific advocacies.”

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?

Determining a precise definition of sustainability is challenging because ideas about it change over time and between literary works. However, in our era, which is called the Anthropocene, sustainability can be broadly understood as a societal goal that aims for the harmonious coexistence of humans and other species on planet Earth. The term "Anthropocene" is derived from the Greek word “anthropos”, which means "man." It refers to a geological unit of time during which the effects of human activity on the environment have begun to show devastating effects, including climate change, natural imbalances, and the extinction of numerous plant and animal species. In an effort to ensure that humans can coexist peacefully with other species in more thriving ecosystems for many generations to come, society is shifting toward a more sustainable way of living. Thus, a personal meaning has formed into my senses that "Sustainability is everybody's responsibility."

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE ART?

The term "sustainable art," like most things in the art world, has quite a number of definitions. While some artists use ecologically friendly materials and studio techniques in their work, others are primarily concerned with addressing environmental issues. Furthermore, sustainable art is not just found in the visual arts category, but also frequently appears in fashion and architecture, among other fields.

Fashion designers and manufacturers are coming up with ways to prolong the life cycle of garments, utilize more eco-friendly color dyes, and use less water in the production process by using closed-loop fashion and circular economies.

In an agricultural prefecture in Japan called Ibaraki, not too far from Tokyo, there is a town who does this sustainable fabric dyeing. They dye each fabric by hand using agricultural waste such as tomato stems from local farmers; discarded items like tree branches and leaves are used as well. The company also conducts in-house dyeing workshops, organizes dyeing and harvesting retreats fostering interactions with farmers, and holds dyeing lessons at schools, etc. to highlight the region's agricultural potential and charm.

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Architects use eco-paints and other reclaimed and recycled materials, even on the wall finishings, floors and countertops, to name a few. Check out one of my blog which talks about sustainable architecture:

https://architalktural.blogspot.com/2024/02/sustainability-begins-in-kitchen-would.html

Artists, authors, filmmakers, and performers are also becoming more and more interested in addressing environmental and sustainable issues in their works.

QUITE A LITTLE BACKGROUND

Sustainable art is not really a new idea. Although the phrase "sustainable art" is relatively new, numerous artists from various cultures have long employed sustainable practices before the term was coined. For many years, eco-artists have included environmental themes and issues into their works. African art, for instance, has a long history of using natural materials in a way that honors the environment. Examples of this include body painting, weaving, and fashion, to mention a few, as well as functional and sculptural works made of clay and wood that are passed down through the generations.

Large-scale works were made by Land Art Movement artists in the natural environment. These installations frequently included organic materials like wood, rocks, and soil. By bringing attention to the interaction between people and the environment, these artists hope to get people thinking about how we affect the earth. Around the same time, the Earthworks movement, which is closely tied to Land Art, rose to popularity. Environmental restoration was the primary aim of Earthworks artists who created works of art to restore damaged ecosystems.

Upcycling is another example; it may be seen in African art as well, although it is most prominently practiced in Japanese culture. For instance, “kintsugi” is the tradition of fixing broken ceramics and pottery that contain gold traces in order to celebrate imperfection and reduce waste. Upcycling remains a dominant Sustainable art form used by many fine and contemporary artists today.

The idea of sustainable art has expanded over time to include a greater range of environmental concerns in addition to artwork, such as the materials used by artists, waste reduction efforts, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices that can lessen the environmental impact of their work. Many artists have joined the push in the art industry toward sustainability as a result of this change in focus.

ART-FRIENDLY, ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

Now, the term "sustainable art" refers to a broader variety of environmental concerns as well as artwork, including the materials used by artists, waste reduction, and adopting eco-friendly practices that might lessen the environmental impact of their work. Many artists have now joined the art world's push toward sustainability as a result of this change in focus.

RECLAIMED WOOD

Reclaimed wood is now a popular and adaptable medium in art. Reclaimed wood, which comes from abandoned structures, shipping pallets, or fallen trees, enables artists to produce one-of-a-kind, eye-catching pieces while cutting down on waste and deforestation. Reclaimed wood has a rustic and natural appearance that gives artwork depth and personality. It can be utilized for installations, sculptures, or frames for painting canvases.

ECO-PAINTS

Additionally, gaining popularity are eco-friendly paints, which use natural binders and pigments with lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hazardous chemical contents than conventional paints. For artists who want to switch, brands like Earth Paints, Natural Earth Paint, and Bioshield provide a variety of eco-friendly paint and other solutions.

RECYCLED METAL

Recycled Metal is another sustainable material gaining traction in the art world. Artists like El Anatsui and Vik Muniz have gained international recognition for their use of discarded metal objects and industrial scraps, such as aluminum, copper, steel, and brass, to create unique sculptures and installations while reducing waste and conserving resources.

PLASTIC

While plastics have been incredibly useful in many industries due to their durability, versatility, and low cost, they also pose significant environmental problems. Most plastics are not biodegradable persisting for hundreds or even thousands of years, which leads to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems. Biodegradable and plant-based plastic alternatives are eco-friendly alternatives derived from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, and algae. Compared to conventional plastics, they are more environmentally friendly and can decompose more quickly.

ORGANIC TEXTILES It is also possible to incorporate organic textiles into the artwork, such as hemp, linen, and cotton. These materials are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Artists can use organic textiles for tapestries, wall hangings, or mixed media pieces, blending sustainability with creative expression.

NATURAL OBJECTS

Natural and Found Objects can create distinctive and thought-provoking pieces that engage with the natural world by adding elements such as leaves, branches, rocks, or waste materials found in the surroundings. This strategy lessens the need for additional materials and encourages discussion about how people, the environment, and art are related.

IMPORTANT SUSTAINABLE ARTISTS

AGNES DENES

Agnes Denes, also known as Dénes Ágnes, was born in Budapest in 1931. She is a New York-based conceptual artist of Hungarian descent. She is renowned for a variety of mediums, including poetry, philosophical writings, incredibly detailed drawings, sculptures, and iconic land art pieces like Tree Mountain—A Living Time Capsule (1992–1996) in Ylöjärvi, Finland, and Wheatfield — A Confrontation (1982), a two-acre field of wheat in downtown Manhattan commissioned by the Public Art Fund. Her work Rice/Tree/Burial with Time Capsule (1968–79) is regarded as one of the first examples of ecological art. She resides and creates in New York City.

EL ANATSUI

Ghanaian artist El Anatsui, born on February 4, 1944, spent the majority of his career working in Nigeria. His "bottle-top installations" have garnered him significant international recognition. These installations are made up of thousands of aluminum pieces that are taken from alcohol recycling centers and are connected by copper wire to create wall sculptures that resemble metallic cloth. Although these materials appear rigid and strong, they are actually pliable and free, which frequently facilitates installation of his sculptures. Anatsui was listed among the world's most influential individuals in the Time 100 list for 2023.

ANDY GOLDSWORTHY

Andy Goldsworthy is well-known as an environmental artist, well known for his site-specific sculptures and Land art. Born in England, Goldsworthy began working on several farms at the age of 13. His sculpture method is mostly based on rhythm and regularity, which he draws inspiration from the repetitive nature of farm work. He once compared the creative process to "picking potatoes." In his artwork, Goldsworthy uses organic materials such as wood, clay, stone, and flower petals. He states that his primary objective is to cultivate a bond between his audience and the natural world. Engaging with the natural cycles of creation and destruction, Goldsworthy views nature as a partner in his work. Through his art, he frequently draws attention to the beauty of nature and celebrates its organic patterns.

MAYA LIN

Maya Ying Lin is an American designer and sculptor who was born on October 5, 1959. She became well-known across the country in 1981 while attending Yale University as a student after winning a national design competition for the proposed Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Landscapes, sculptures, public and private buildings, and memorials have all been designed by Lin. She is well-known for her historical memorials, but she is also well-known for her environmentally oriented pieces, many of which deal with environmental degradation. Lin claims that although nothing she makes can compare to the beauty of nature's architecture, she finds inspiration in it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

COLLECTIVELY PAINT A GREENER FUTURE

Artists are adopting more sustainable artistic methods and collaborating with scientists to help spread awareness of the seriousness of the climate problem as society grows more conscious of its effects on the environment and the planet's imminent peril. Sustainability is about making decisions that don't hurt the environment and being aware of how we use and produce goods. Through their artistic endeavors, artists are actively working to bring about social change in our communities and are fully committed to the idea of a better future for everyone.

The success of the sustainable art movement is a credit to the inventiveness, passion, and hard work of artists who are determined to change the world. Artists have the ability to inspire audiences and improve the environment at the same time by implementing these strategies and utilizing eco-friendly materials. We are constructing an art world that prioritizes responsibility and beauty with each eco-art work we produce, eco-friendly habits we embrace, and people we impact through our eco-practices. So let's get our paintbrushes out, get dirty, and let's paint a greener future together! It's a noble choice...

JOEY CASTANEDA

Author

Important sources and acknowledgment:

-Wikipedia.com for artists featured.

-Stock photos taken from Pexel.com and Pixabay.com

For all your wall art needs, visit our arts and crafts page:

https://www.facebook.com/lapislazuliartsncrafts

HOW TO CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN

The center of any house is the kitchen. It's where we gather to feed ourselves and our families, but it also has the potential to negatively affect our ecosystem. Many people are seeking for methods to lessen their impact on the environment as climate change continues to influence our lives—beginning with eco-friendly cooking in the kitchen!

The 21st-century kitchen is full of all kinds of great stuff for making incredible meals, but all that great stuff is a lot of…stuff, and it’s important to consider the impact certain kitchen items have on the earth. There are lots of ways to make a kitchen eco-friendly, whether that’s by designing a reusable version of a disposable item, getting rid of hazardous materials, or apply a more efficient manufacturing method. We have compiled seven strategic hacks that we could make use of to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen. Or should we call them strategic switches, what do you think?

1. SWITCH FROM PAPER TOWELS TO REUSABLE KITCHEN CLOTHS
By switching out single-use paper towels with reusable cloths, you can start an eco-friendly kitchen makeover in one of the most straightforward and cheap ways possible. One of the best products of this kind if you ever decided to find one are those that are created from bleached or unbleached cotton, which is soft and absorbent.

Another type of similar kind is the Swedish dishcloths, which is created by a Swedish engineer in 1949 and are "superabsorbent." They are constructed of "100% naturally biodegradable cellulose or a combination of wood pulp and renewable cotton," dry rapidly, and can be washed. Users treat them exactly the same way as paper towel and say they reduced the amount of paper towels by at least 80%.

2. SWITCH FROM PAPER COFFEE FILTERS TO STAINLESS STELL COFFEE MESH

You might want to consider strategies to reduce your use of paper coffee filters in addition to reducing the number of single-use to-go coffee cups. Some coffee machines are made as alternative to conventional methods of brewing. The outcome is akin to paper filters, but without the waste, adding that the stainless steel mesh is quite fine (keeping the grinds out).

Or you might want to purchase a plunging type coffee brewing device called coffee presser or French press. Anything goes as long as your purpose is to eliminate paper filters. Simple things like these are great ways coffee lovers can show their courage as an invincible earth hero.

3. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO BAMBOO COOKING UTENSILS

You want to have the best tools for the task whether you're cooking for just yourself or the entire family. It's possible that you are unaware of the distinction between environmentally friendly kitchenware and whatever is currently on sale, but it's still worthwhile to learn more. Modern plastics may not only be inferior to bamboo in terms of performance but also impose harm to our internal health. Additionally, by making the transition, you're picking a better alternative for your family as well as the environment. And because we all call this place home, we may as well look after it to ensure the highest quality of life.

The following are the top advantages of bamboo as an eco-friendly material:

A. By using bamboo as a material, uncertified timber that may cause deforestation can be avoided;

B. Bamboo is simple to grow, and there are vast sources available;

C. These utensils may be made from a single mature bamboo piece to a thousand times; and

D. From being biodegradable, ethically sourced, tree-free, plastic-free, and reusable, this product's sustainability is quite commendable.

I personally use bamboo kitchen spatula when cooking. The picture above shows my spatula on a bamboo cutting board with our business name engraved in one corner. I received it as a gift. Cutting boards made of bamboos, when properly cared for, not only appear elegant when displayed on a kitchen counter than plastic ones, but they also last a lot longer. You could make this transition as simple as possible for you. You could do it one by one which does not hurt your budget. After you have completed a set of bamboo utensils, we are certain that your family and the environment will thank you.

4. SWITCH FROM ALUMINUM NON-STICK COOKWARE TO NON-TOXIC CERAMIC POTS

Globally, the aluminum sector releases millions of tons of greenhouse gases each year, according to experts, which is, to put it simply, a massive no-no for Mother Nature. Choose the multipurpose ceramic-coated cookware the next time you need to replace your pots and pans since they are devoid of harmful chemicals, poisonous metals, and nanoparticles. Ceramic clay pots are also great alternatives, if you may choose so.

5. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO GLASS FOOD CONTAINERS

Glass food storage containers not only offer safer food storage, but also a great view of what is within. Glass Ball jars can keep anything from seeds, flours, and nuts to soups, stews, and fresh berries, and they are affordable (can be bought by the dozen). They are also simple to clean. When using glass containers for frozen storage, make sure to choose freezer-safe models with wide mouths that are simple to remove for warming and to provide enough space at the top for any liquids to expand.

6. SWITCH FROM SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS TO ECO BAGS FOR YOUR PRODUCE

There's a fair probability that a large portion of the plastic you believe you could be using comes from your monthly trip to the grocery store. Purchasing large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and other food typically requires ripping off several plastic bags on each trip, which can be harmful to the environment. Reusable produce bags, however, provide a simple and practical replacement for plastic ones if you're searching for a more environmentally friendly, long-lasting option. As far as we can, we can only use environmentally friendly bags and try to lessen environmental damage. In other words, eco-friendly bags are those made from a range of ecologically friendly materials including cotton, hemp, non-woven, RPET, biodegradable bioplastics, and recyclable paper. They are also generally more earth-friendly and emit less pollutants.

7. SWITCH FROM TRASH CAN TO COMPOST BIN (FOR FOOD SCRAPS ONLY)

Food scraps and other waste should be disposed of in a kitchen-top compost bin rather than the trash can, where they will decompose and leave your kitchen smelling bad. When the bin is full, dump it in your backyard compost pile (or, if permitted where you live, in your yard waste receptacle) and use it to supplement your vegetable garden!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using eco-friendly kitchen supplies and utensils is unquestionably preferable to using single-use plastic ones. They have less waste, are more environmentally friendly, and are more sustainable. And we really hope that this post gives you more than enough options for a greener kitchen. All have already done so much harm to our world, therefore we need to start taking action as soon as we can if we want to save it for future generations. You are already making a difference in little ways by picking eco-friendly products over the standard plastic ones when you go shopping. And if we can start with ourselves, we'll be able to motivate other people to do the same.