The Environmental Impact of Artist Studios (and How to Minimize It)

Ethics and sustainabilityAbout Vegesentfor artists

4 Nov

Dear members of the Helsinki International Artists Association,
As artists in the eco-conscious city of Helsinki, we have a unique responsibility to understand and minimize the environmental impact of our creative spaces. Our studios, while sources of beauty and innovation, can also be significant contributors to environmental issues. But fear not! With awareness and thoughtful action, we can transform our workspaces into models of sustainability, aligning our artistic practices with Helsinki's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Understanding the Environmental Footprint of Artist Studios
Before we dive into solutions, let's examine the key areas where our studios impact the environment:
**Energy Consumption**: From lighting to climate control and power tools, our studios can be energy-intensive spaces.
**Water Usage**: Practices like printmaking, ceramics, and painting often require substantial water use.
**Material Waste**: Unused materials, failed experiments, and packaging all contribute to our waste stream.
**Chemical Pollution**: Many art supplies contain harmful chemicals that can pollute air and water if not properly managed.
**Carbon Footprint**: Transportation of art supplies and finished works contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Recognizing these impacts is the first step towards creating more sustainable studio practices.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MARIA TEPLYKH (WEBSITE).  "I used chicken wire left from building a fence around my alotment, wire, which was used to tie chicken wire rolls together and a bit of silver-colour wire, which I bought many years ago from Tiimari, before it closed down."

MINIMISING Your Studio's Environmental Impact: Helsinki-Inspired Solutions

Now, let's explore how we can reduce our studios' environmental footprint, drawing inspiration from Helsinki's innovative approach to sustainability:

1. Energy Efficiency

Harness Natural Light: Helsinki's long summer days provide ample natural light. Position your workspace to maximize daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Switch to LEDs: When artificial light is necessary, use energy-efficient LED bulbs, widely available in Helsinki.
Smart Power Strips: Use these to eliminate phantom energy draw from tools and equipment when not in use.
Renewable Energy: Consider subscribing to a renewable energy plan, supporting Finland's growing green energy sector.

2. Water Conservation

Closed-Loop Systems: For water-intensive practices like printmaking, implement a closed-loop water system to reuse water.
Rainwater Collection: Helsinki's ample rainfall can be collected and used for cleaning tools or watering plants in your studio.
Efficient Cleaning: Use low-flow faucets and be mindful of water use when cleaning tools and workspaces. Never pour your wash water down the drain, instead, use little amount of water for washing your tools and hands. Dry out washing water or solidify with toilet absorbent, pet litter pellets or discarded paper. Then it should be discarded as a solid waste into a mixed waste bin.

3. Waste Reduction

Upcycling: Transform "waste" materials into new artworks.
Composting: Organic waste from paper-making or natural pigments can be composted, contributing to Helsinki's bio-waste efforts.
Recycling: Familiarize yourself with Helsinki's comprehensive recycling system and sort your studio waste accordingly.
Packaging: When shipping artwork, use recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials, many of which are produced locally in Finland. Also you can save packaging materials from your purchases and use them later for your art’s protection.
4. Non-Toxic Practices
Natural Pigments: Experiment with pigments made from plants and minerals.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your studio, particularly important during Helsinki's long winter months when windows are often closed.
Safe Disposal: Use Helsinki's hazardous waste collection points for proper disposal of any toxic materials you can't eliminate. Remember, that many toxic heavy metals are used in art materials, like cadmium, Cobalt, Nickel, Carbon black, Chromium, Lead and Crystalline Silica. They are substances that cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, but widely used in cheap art materials.
5. Sustainable Transportation
Bike or Walk: Take advantage of Helsinki's excellent bike infrastructure to transport smaller supplies and artworks.
Public Transport: Use Helsinki's efficient public transportation system when transporting larger items.
Local Sourcing: Prioritize art supplies from local Finnish producers to reduce transportation emissions.
6. Plant-Based Materials
Eco-Friendly Paints: Use paints made from plant-based ingredients like linseed oil, walnut oil, or soy-based pigments.
Natural Fibers: Incorporate natural, biodegradable fibers like cotton, hemp, or linen for canvases and textiles.
Bioplastics: Experiment with bioplastics made from cornstarch or other plant materials for sculptures or installations.(however, remember, that they do not biodegrade in nature)
Plant-Based Adhesives: Use glues and adhesives derived from natural sources like tree sap or vegetable starch.
Bamboo Tools: Switch to bamboo alternatives for paintbrushes, easels, and other studio tools where possible.
Local Plant Resources: Explore using local Finnish plants for dyes, paper-making, or as raw materials in your art.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Vivita Kaupere (website).  "in my arts and crafts workshops people really appreciate the use of natural materials and upcycled items. Especially because they are safe and friendly for children."

“I use upcycled materials found at my houshold or Kierratyskeskus. These materials I use for arts and crafts projects and workshops.
I collect materials from nature around me, my garden, local forests and fields. I utilise these materials not only in workshop designs but also in my artistic practice as visual artist.
Also, I collect upcycled jewellery components and repurpose them in my jewellery designs.”

— Vivita Kaupere

Community Initiatives: Amplifying Our Impact

As members of Helsinki's international art community, we can amplify our individual efforts through collective action:

Tool Library: We have a shared tool library within our association, reducing the need for individual purchases and storage.
Bulk Purchasing: Organize group purchases of eco-friendly supplies, reducing packaging waste and transportation emissions.
Workshop Series: Visit our workshops on sustainable art practices, drawing on the expertise within our diverse international community.
Eco-Art Exhibitions: Collaborate with Helsinki's galleries to showcase artwork created with sustainable practices, raising public awareness.
Partnership with Local Environmental Groups: Engage with organizations like the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation to align our efforts with broader environmental initiatives.

The Helsinki Advantage: Leveraging Local Resources
Helsinki offers unique resources for artists seeking to minimize their environmental impact:
**Kierrätyskeskus:** This reuse center is a treasure trove of second-hand materials for your artistic endeavors.
**UFF and Fida:** These second hand shops are a source for reclaimed materials and tools.
**Helsinki's libraries:** You will have a wide selection of equipment ranging from photo printers to a laser cutter at your disposal, not forgetting traditional handicrafts.
**Tori.fi**: Go to *Viihde ja harrastukset > käsityöt* for pre owned, but often new art materials, which their owners want to sell for a few euros or give away for free.

A Call to Action: Your Studio, Your Impact

As we conclude, remember that every small change in your studio practice contributes to a larger positive impact. Here are some immediate steps you can take:

Conduct an Energy Audit: Assess your studio's energy use and identify areas for improvement.
Experiment with Eco-Friendly Materials: Choose one aspect of your practice to make more sustainable this month.
Create a Waste Sorting Station: Set up clearly labeled bins for different types of recyclables and waste.
Share Your Journey: Document your sustainability efforts on social media, inspiring fellow artists and the broader Helsinki community. Use #HIAAfinland and #Vegesent_ArtTips in Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MARIA TEPLYKH (WEBSITE).  "I usually create sculpture from clay, which is 100% organic with addition of stone dust. And then for one of my clay sculptures I created accessories (a bonnet and glasses). I used my old shirt for the bonnet. And some old wire from my jewellery making practice for the glasses."