"The BC Landscape" by EMELINAIssue Date: ABN - January 09, Posted On: 1/23/2009 Artists Ride the Green Wave
"Chasm" by John Dahlsen, recycled art created from plastics collected at Australian beaches, commissioned by Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia, for it's "Eco-Logic Exhibition," 2000-2008Renowned marine-life artist Wyland is living proof that artists can play a significant role in the 21st-century environmental movement. His Wyland Foundation, which promotes the protection and preservation of the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life, is celebrating its 15th year with an inspiring array of public outreach projects—a mission that has been recognized by the United Nations, Sierra Club and Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences.“The global effort to protect the planet is on the minds and hearts of every generation, many of whom collect art,” Wyland says. “Today, artists can lead the world in the green movement by enhancing their exposure and contributing to the health of the planet.”
Wyland may be one of the most prominent artists leading the environmental movement in art circles, but an increasing number of artists are catching the environmental bug. Many are going green by creating works with an environmental message, some are contributing and promoting environmental organizations and causes, and others have progressed to using eco-friendly methods and materials to create their works of art.
“Wherever you go, it’s green; people are surrounded by the idea at Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, wherever,” says Alexandru Darida, a nature-themed oil painter represented by Masterpiece Publishing, Inc. “As an artist, you have to reflect what people are thinking. You have to transform yourself and go through the same issues that society is going through. All major artists have been a reflection of the times.”
A Message of Conservation The not-for-profit Wyland Foundation, which began in 1993, is a primary vehicle for getting Wyland’s message of conservation out to the public. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through educational programs, life-sized public art projects and community events. The inspiration behind the foundation’s establishment is driven by Wyland’s love for water, which is reflected in his paintings, sculptures and photographs. Wyland has many environmental art projects currently in the works, including the Artexpo Global Green Challenge at the International Artexpo New York, Feb. 26 to March 2. Wyland and the show’s producers are working together to host several green events with exhibiting artists and the community to raise environmental awareness.
A 27-year SCUBA diver, Wyland has traveled around the globe to experience many of the world’s bodies of water.
“The more immersed you are in the environment and the water, the more passionate you are about preserving that beauty,” Wyland says. “ … I think art is a way to engage people, not only to raise awareness, but to empower people to take action.”
"Beyond the Fields" by Pete Tillack, oil on birchAustralian-born artist Pete Tillack has also done his fair share of world traveling but with a different passion in mind—surfing. The lifelong vocation allows Tillack to get up-close-and-personal with his subject matter more than the average artist. His passion for nature translates to his work, which he uses as an opportunity to promote environmental awareness and causes. During the past two years, Tillack has raised nearly $80,000 for the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association’s oceanic environmental efforts. Tillack’s Web site, petetillack.com, also lists various environmental organizations he endorses and encourages his collectors to support.
Darida’s appreciation of Mother Nature comes from growing up in Romania’s picturesque countryside. “Our playground was the outdoors,” he says. “We were always enjoying our constantly changing urroundings. That has stayed with me all my life.”
"Germination" by Darida, oil on canvasArtists must be a reflection of the times, Darida says, and the environmental crisis gripping the world is something artists cannot ignore. “Artists have to be proactive to save our natural surroundings,” he continues. “Environmental degradation is creating so much disaster around us.”
Artist Farida Zaman launched the “Think Green & Live Green” design series with CP Licensing about two years ago. Her eco-friendly leaf designs are created to inspire consumers to think about environmental preservation and recycling.
“The idea was to create designs inspired by nature and leaf patterns that most people can relate to,” she says. “I combined an important message with an aesthetic choice of contemporary style and color that visually inspires people to care for their surrounding world.”
"Still Life with Pears" by Farida Zaman, acrylic on canvasThe patterns in Zaman’s artwork have been inspired by her travels around the world. “There are some parts of the world where people have a lot less than Western countries, and the whole philosophy of recycling and reusing is an integral part of their lives,” she says. “I wanted to bring the two worlds together by selecting North American leaves on European backdrops of richly patterned designs and color palettes.”
Greening the Artistic ProcessMore artists are becoming conscious of the products and techniques used to create their artwork. One such artist is EMELINA M. Figueroa Symonds, based in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Her “urbanic” (urban-organic) mixed-media paintings feature acrylic and water-based paints and organic materials, such as wood, fiber, seeds and grains. The goal of her contemporary abstract paintings, she says, is to incorporate healthy and environmentally friendly art materials with organic items. “It’s about recycling and reinventing ideas to create art that helps us connect more with ourselves, nature and other people to bring a more organic feeling into our busy, urban lifestyle,” she says. “It’s also about bringing together intentional creativity with healthy and environmentally friendly materials to make a beautiful world out of art.”
"Hawaii Endangered Species" by WylandTen years ago, EMELINA studied non-toxic printmaking techniques, particularly methods involving UV light, baking soda and computer film, among others. She fell in love with the concept of natural elements merged with technology for the purpose of being healthy and environmentally friendly when printmaking. She also learned other mixed-media processes, switched from oil paints to water-based mediums and eventually started using organic materials for her textures and colors.
“I felt inspired to adopt those values when creating my paintings and became more aware of the materials and methods I use,” she says. “I also learned innovative ways to improve my painting techniques, keeping my health and the environment’s health in mind.”
What’s more, EMELINA avoids the use of aerosol products and those with high fumes. She recycles trash, old grains and seeds and turns them into art tools, office tools and/or art materials. She also uses energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, as well as environmentally friendly home cleaning products.
Using Harvest Productions' proprietary Toujour process, Kerne Erickson's "Heaven Scent" was printed on bamboo--a known eco-friendly, renewable wood source--and made available through Cliff House Publishing. The company selected Universal Framing Products' Nature Wood moulding as its green framing option.“Artists can express and educate the world about [environmental] issues through their artistic creations, but I believe it is equally important to ‘walk the walk’ and teach as much as we can by example,” she says.
Many artists interviewed for this article have switched from oil-based paints to non-toxic, water-based paints and are using recycled drafting paper, brushes and canvases. The list of green tips for artists is seemingly endless, as proven by Wyland’s Top 10 list (right).
“Whenever I purchase art materials, I pay close attention to the product label to ensure the product is safe for the environment,” says Nannette Harris, an artist based in Oakland, Calif. “I look for recycled canvas that I can prime and make new again. I also look for recycled paintbrushes that are hard, which helps me to sculpt the hair on my art subjects. The printing company I use (Squirt Printing) also has eco-friendly practices.”
In addition to using the eco-friendly materials and processes found on his tip list, Wyland has been recycling shipping boxes, whenever possible, for many years. He sends a personal note to customers apologizing for the “shoddiness” of the box while furthering the message to recycle. As more artists continue to go green in various ways, Wyland believes he and his green colleagues can be leaders in delivering a message of environmental awareness throughout societhe most important role, in the world. This is our opportunity.”
10 Go-Green Tips from Wyland First and foremost, remember: Cause-related issues regarding the environment are not a trend, but the future.Wildlife, habitats, climate change, clean water, air, land and Earth-friendly themes are only a few of the subjects that can be explored to raise awareness of environmental issues. You can also create cause-related green pieces of art to support environmental organizations.
Artist’s health issues are tied directly to materials used to create works of art. Use non-toxic art materials to promote environmental concerns, and share your practices with collectors, who are becoming increasingly in-tune with the protection of the planet.
Reuse art materials like paint solvents, or use non-toxic replacements to protect your health when creating artworks.
Use a professional service to dispose of old solvents, paint, etc., that will ensure proper removal to keep toxic materials out of the environment.
Purchase art supplies from companies that offer eco-friendly products, such as Fredrix Artist Canvas and Gamblin Artists Oil Colors (taramaterials.com; ecoartsupplies.com). Shop online to reduce travel, and purchase in bulk to reduce shipping materials.
Use recycled materials. Reuse shipping boxes and other supplies—just be sure to add a personal note that the packing may not look good, but you are using it in order to support your conservation goals.
Conserve energy in the studio. Shut off the lights when unneeded. Wear warm clothes when it is cold. Everything counts, and you are saving money.
Use digital photography instead of film and rechargeable camera batteries to reduce landfill waste and the amount of toxic materials entering the environment.
Use recyclable paper and soy ink for all promotional materials. Use digital means instead of printed materials when possible.
Artists Weigh in on Going Green
“The Pass #5” by John Dahlsen, acrylic on Belgian linen“I have been making strong statements about environmental issues in my work for more than 12 years. The painting presented here is selected from my latest series of work, which was made as a continued response to my local environment … (I paint) with a manner and a sense of urgency, due to my ever-growing concerns about global warming and its impact.”
– John Dahlsen
“He Sees Music” by Nannette Harris, recycled oil paint
“Going green for me has made my career endless. I have been recycling my oil paints since 1993, and I have saved money and paint. By letting them dry out over the years, I have created some fun Pop art with sculptured 3-D hair using my recycled oil paint. Going green has helped me to be more creative.”
– Nannette Harris
“San Francisco Fog” by Nick Myerhoff, recycled spray paint, house paint and marker“Going green has transformed my artwork in a significant way. Everything I do creatively is re-engineered after considering the waste I may or may not create. The best artwork begins with recycled ingredients and doesn’t end up in your garage.”
– Nick Myerhoff
“The B.C. Landscape” by EMELINA M. Figueroa Symonds, “urbanic” mixed-media giclée edition
“I am more aware of the materials and art techniques I use in order to be as healthy and environmentally friendly as possible. It’s also important to continue asking the industry to improve by developing cleaner paints, materials and other art products.”
– EMELINA M. Figueroa Symonds
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