Monday, October 15, 2007

Blog Action Day:

Bloggers Unite - Blog Action Day

Today is blog action day, folks! Today, bloggers of the world are uniting to focus our attention on one issue: the ENVIRONMENT! Making art can be a dirty endeavor, and I mean this on several levels. Obviously, the afternoon in the studio may result in paint-spattered clothes or clay-stained floors, but have you considered the more global ramifications of making art? I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately, since my environmental ethic permeates the rest of my life and I really *want* to make my art as green as possible. How can I do this and make the kind of art that moves me? Well, there are many little steps we artists and art-lovers can take to make and support earth-friendly art. Dig this:

Fabriano makes watercolor paper that is not sized in animal fat. It is high-quality paper just the same and even smells better.

Instead of gallons of paint thinner, maybe I will try some of the fabulous Gamblin Oil Mediums that use safer ingredients like linseed oil and beeswax.

EcoArt Works sells art supplies that are non-toxic. Some of the goodies I am itching to try are the hemp watercolor paper and the plant-based pastels.

I'd like your thoughts on this idea, dear readers: I have been using cardboard left-over from moving (and the such) in some recent paintings and wonder how others would feel about displaying a watercolor mounted on cardboard in their home. I love the added dimension and weight of the back-board and do like re-using the cardboard. Any thoughts?

Green-Art provides a database of artists using eco-friendly techniques and supplies. This comprehensive site features artists working in print, fiber, paint, sculpture, architecture, design, poetry, and more.

Blue Flip Art sells fine art prints at great prices and donates a portion of the proceeds to non-profit organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund.


MORE Green to LOVE:
Austin Green Art is a public art project in Austin, Texas, focusing on environmental themes. Check 'em out.

Swan Diamond Rose creates amazing tees and bags using thrifted, over-stock, dead-stock and low-impact fabrics and materials. She is a super-cool independent spirit. Check out her Etsy Shoppe and her Ebay Shoppe.

Environmental Art Museum is an online museum featuring environmental artists and their art. It also serves as a collaborative tool for making and promoting environmental art.

Do any lovely readers have thoughts about greening the art process? Do tell! You have a captive audience!! Happy Blog Action Day!

1 comment:

  1. Everyone can make a difference! And it can be just as simple as changing a light bulb! If you are passionate about stopping global warming and the environment you should check out this website http://www.nvisioncfl.com . Changing to CFLs is a great way for individual people to really make a difference! You should also check out this site http://www.youtube.com/user/helpourworld for more ideas on how to help our world!

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