Supporting Independent Art Suppliers: A Greener Alternative

Ethics and sustainabilityAbout Vegesentfor artists

4 Apr

As artists, our creative choices extend beyond the canvas to the materials we use. Supporting independent art suppliers who prioritize eco-friendly products is crucial for minimizing our environmental impact. This article explores the advantages of choosing these suppliers and highlights some options in Helsinki and beyond.

Why Support Independent Art Suppliers?
**Environmental Consciousness**: Independent suppliers often have more control over their supply chains and can prioritize eco-friendly materials and processes.
**Innovation**: Smaller companies can be more agile, quickly adopting new, sustainable technologies and materials.
**Personalized Service**: Independent suppliers often provide expert advice and can cater to specific needs, reducing waste from unsuitable purchases.
**Community Support**: By choosing local, independent suppliers, we contribute to Helsinki's vibrant artistic ecosystem.
**Unique Products**: Independent suppliers often stock niche or artisanal products not found in larger chains.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Plan B (INSTAGRAM). Featuring "Kapitalistin narunveto - old amusement park building".  

" I am using old buildings. Using old items, like plates or boxes. Using old wood. Using cardboard, metal plates, old windows etc. as canvases. Also thinking of making a mural made with trash.

I'm interested in trying air-cleaning lime paints. They purify the air thanks to their natural lime and pigments. Their high pH kills surface bacteria and microorganisms. When choosing these paints, certifications are important."

Plan_B_Balls_in_the_basket_Acrylic_and_spray_paint,_recycled_wood,_old_box,_balls_-_Plan_B_Street_Art.jpg

Plan_B_Colonial_Goods_Acrylic_paint,_legos,_3d_prints,_recycled_wood,_recycled_barbed_wire,_old_box_-_Plan_B_Street_Art.jpg

Finnish and Nordic Brands

Supporting Finnish and Nordic brands can reduce transportation emissions and boost local economies:

Coverstory (Finland): Plastic-free non-toxic vegan interior paints for murals and furniture customization projects.
Coliro (Germany): Metallic watercolors that do not contain microplastic and are made from Mica Pigments and Gum Arabic, both natural ingredients.
Växbo Lin (Sweden): Offers high-quality, sustainably produced linen fabric and yarn for textile artists.
Vintage Paper (Denmark): Specializes in eco-friendly papers made from agricultural waste.
Marabu Green (Saksa): A climate-neutral, water-based, vegetable oil-based (at least 92% natural materials) and vegan alkyd paint made in Germany for artists and hobbyists. The paint's matte, light-resistant and weather-resistant creamy consistency is suitable for paper, cardboard, canvas, wood, MDF, stone, metal, cork, and many other surfaces.
Artemis Plant Colours (Netherland): handmade watercolors using only plants as ingredients.
Greengiving (Netherlands): up to A3 size seeded paper consists of two thin layers of paper with seeds in-between. Currently available only in quantities of 100 sheets or samples.
International Green Art Suppliers
For specialized materials, we might need to look beyond our borders:
1. Natural Earth Paint (USA): Offers plastic-free, non-toxic earth and mineral pigments.
2. Eco-House (Japan): Known for their natural, non-toxic art supplies including paints and solvents.
3. Makers Cabinet (UK): Creates precision tools with a focus on longevity and sustainability.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SUKHI RAGHUNATH (INSTAGRAM).  Image courtesy: SUKHI RAGHUNATH

"I HAVE AND WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE (PARTNER WITH SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS) IN FUTURE AS WELL. THERE ARE A FEW BRILLIANT AND CONSCIOUS ARTISTS I HAVE COME TO KNOW HERE IN HELSINKI. IT WILL BE VERY INTERESTING TO BRING TOGETHER DIFFERENT FORMS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HELPFUL PRACTICES THAT CAN BE INCORPORATED IN MY WORK."

Creating Change Through Our Choices

As artists, our material choices can drive market trends. Here's how we can make a difference:

Ask Questions: Inquire about the environmental impact of products. This encourages suppliers to stock more eco-friendly options.
Share Knowledge: Inform fellow artists about sustainable materials and suppliers you discover.
Experiment: Try new, eco-friendly materials and share your experiences. Your insights could help other artists make greener choices.
Bulk Buying: Organize group purchases to make ordering from international green suppliers more economical and reduce shipping emissions.
Give Feedback: Let suppliers know when you're pleased with their eco-friendly options, and suggest improvements where needed.

Beyond Buying: Other Ways to Support Independent Suppliers
**Workshops**: Propose that local suppliers host workshops using their sustainable materials. This can attract new customers and spread awareness.
**Exhibitions**: Consider partnering with eco-friendly suppliers for your exhibitions, showcasing the possibilities of sustainable art materials.
**Online Presence**: Leave positive reviews for great independent suppliers and share their products on social media.
**Upcycling Partnerships**: Suggest collaborations where suppliers can sell or distribute upcycled art materials.

SUKHI RAGHUNATH: "For the nature-inspired paper sculptures, I use a mix of earth-friendly materials such as:

-Raffia or dried palm fibre,

-100% responsibly made, sourced, sustainable tree-free papers created from recycled plant, farm, and old-clothing waste. I source these papers from a company that practices ethical employment practices and uses recycled water in its production cycles.

- I also avoid ordering the papers in large quantities often from India and try to carry them along with me during my travels. It is tough on planning, but it avoids the issues associated with shipping, transports, etc.

- I also use dried bamboo stems at times.

- I try and use coffee to colour the paper where possible, if not, I am conscious in my use of commercially available paints and try to minimise its use."

Challenges and Considerations

While supporting independent, eco-friendly suppliers is admirable, it comes with challenges:

Higher Costs: Sustainable materials often cost more. Consider it an investment in both your art and the environment.
Limited Availability: Some specialized eco-friendly materials might not be readily available in Helsinki. Plan ahead for international orders.
Different Properties: Eco-friendly materials may behave differently from conventional ones. Allow time for experimentation and adaptation.
Greenwashing: Be aware that some products may not be as eco-friendly as they claim. Research and ask questions to make informed choices.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Veronika Vegesent (INSTAGRAM). Featuring "One HUNDRED years of Baltic Sea revolution".  

" My approach to art as a platform for activism begins with a core idea, before identifying the possible mediums I can access. And choice of materials speaks to my commitment to authenticity and sustainability. Working with suppliers who contribute to the better more ethical economical system is extremely important for me."

Mostly I repurpose my art materials, find biodegradable materials for my art in nature and buy them from a Norwegian-based online art supply store here.