Talking about walking last week reminded me that being environmentally friendly often saves me money.
So why pay for a bus ticket when I can walk? Or pay for tap water when I can collect rainwater? Or buy paint when I could grind up earth like Friedensreich Hundertwasser did?
In fact, there’s a rich history of artists using environmentally friendly practices to inspire me. Some of my favourites include:
- Bob and Roberta Smith recycles the materials from his old paintings for new ones
- Robert Rauschenberg scavenged the streets for materials to include in his prints
- Pablo Picasso formed sculptures from recycled objects and incorporated collage into his paintings
- Kurt Schwitters, who turned using found objects into a complete style (Merz)
- and infinitely more, such as Nicola Carter (who is one of my co-members of the Not Just Collective) who recycles materials for her artworks, including an amazing dress made from blister packs
As I’ve mentioned before, I know refusing to buy new art materials will hurt my suppliers financially but, in actuality, I can’t imagine I’ll manage to stop completely as I don’t have the knowledge or skills to do so. Thankfully, there are more ethical suppliers to turn to when I do need to buy supplies. Buying from them may also encourage the bigger names to become more ethical in return.
So, really, I have no excuse. Saving the planet is good for me and my purse!
