5 steps for sustainable art

Over the years, as an artist, I've tried and found different ways to make my art practice as waste-free as possible. Here are my top 5 sustainable art tips.

Tip 1: Using display folders at markets

I used to display my cards and small original artworks in display folders to ensure I didn't create unnecessary waste at markets. Lots of market visitors commented that this was a great idea. However, it made it harder for people to choose which cards they wanted to buy. It also made purchasing take longer, as I had to extract the cards from the folders and put them and the envelopes into paper bags.

Tip 2: Using compostable packaging

These days, I stock compostable sleeves for my cards and small original creations. As well as being sustainable, this option ensures cards and art are easy for people to browse and select their favourites. I only stock originals, all my art and cards are hand-made, so easy browsing is essential for one-of-a-kind creations. Now, I just need to get better at highlighting this sustainable option for buyers and reminding them to plant or compost the packaging at home.

Tips 3: Reuse, reuse

I've significantly reduced the amount of bubble wrap I purchase. Instead, I reuse what I already have in stock and the clean packaging the comes when ordering art supplies. It's great to see how many art suppliers are now packaging art supplies in plastic-free ways, many use paper equivalents of bubble wrap. I can't use these for wrapping, delicate textured creations but it does work well as box filler when shipping art. 

Tip 4: Upcycle

I'm increasing upcycling art in my studio. I've experimented with reworking older creations, often sandpapering the surface before repainting to minimise wasting canvases. Sometimes the sandpapered residue is reapplied too.

Works on paper get cut and folded into original cards. It's fun to reinvent existing creations, there's a lovely surprise element to seeing what happens once an artwork is folded into a card or how existing textures can be integrated into an atmospheric new painting.

Tip 5: Linen not plastic

I often need temporary wrapping to take art to markets, local exhibition venues and the framers. Sheets, pillow cases and blankets are ideal for waste-free short trips.

Supplier shout-out

Shout-out to the suppliers that help me choose more sustainable packagings:

• I support local and buy paper tape from my lovely, local sustainable store: LIke Nana Did.
• The compostable sleeves I use are available from Eco-craft.

P.S. Thanks to Matt for the photo of me and all my cards in their compostable packaging at Rivers Meet Craft Shop.