Sourcing Sustainable & Ethical Art Supplies: More Than Shopping
As an artist based in Helsinki, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the materials I use and their connection to the world around me. Art is more than the image or form we create—it’s a reflection of our values and our relationship with the environment. This journey led me to rethink my studio practices and focus on eco friendly art supplies, and more importantly, to understand what eco art truly represents today.
What Is Eco Art?
In its simplest form, eco art is creative work that considers environmental themes or uses sustainable, earth-friendly materials. But it’s also about intention. It’s the mindful choice to reduce waste, avoid harmful substances, and produce work that aligns with an ethos of care for people, animals, and ecosystems.
For many contemporary artists, including myself, eco art is not only about making nature-inspired work but about actively reducing the environmental impact of our practice—from the brushes we choose to the surfaces we paint on.
A Short History: From Natural Pigments to Plastic Tubes
For most of human history, artists sourced their materials directly from nature. Earth pigments, animal hair brushes, and plant-based papers were standard. This direct relationship with nature lasted until the Industrial Revolution, which introduced synthetic pigments, chemical-based paints, and mass-produced materials. While these inventions made art supplies more accessible, they also introduced environmental problems—microplastics, toxic chemicals, and large carbon footprints.
Today, as we better understand the ecological consequences of our choices, many of us are seeking ways to reconnect with sustainable practices and adopt eco friendly art supplies.
Artist spotlight: TANIA CROSSINGHAM (website). Featuring Eco-dyead artwork.The Hidden Cost of Traditional Art Materials
Conventional art supplies come with significant environmental costs:
✖ Energy Consumption
Production relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to carbon emissions.
✖ Water Usage
Creating paper, dyes, and pigments often requires intensive water use, a concern even in water-rich Finland.
✖ Waste Generation
From paint tubes to packaging, these materials contribute to landfill pollution.
✖ Chemical Impact
Many traditional supplies contain chemicals harmful to both human health and the environment.
✖ Plastic Proliferation
Acrylics, synthetic fibers, and resins all contribute to the global plastic problem.
✖ Overconsumption
Low prices often lead to buying more than needed, depleting resources and increasing pollution.
✖ Animal cruelty
An unethical practices of sourcing, production and testing the art materials harm land and marine life.
Artist spotlight: Varpu Eronen (website). Featuring eco-dyed art on canvas.“I use vintage textiles, mainly bedsheets that are no longer in use and are gifted to me by friends and family. I make dyes and inks from kitchen scraps and plants I forage or grow myself.“Defining Eco-Friendly Art Materials
Eco-friendly art materials have a lower impact on our planet's finite resources. They're sourced ethically, avoiding exploitation of people, animals, and ecosystems. They're safe for our health, the environment, and wildlife.
To help navigate the world of sustainable art supplies, consider this "Eco+ Checklist" when sourcing materials:
★ Biodegradable:
Naturally decomposing over time
★ Plastic-free
Avoiding hidden plastics in unexpected places
★ Non-toxic
Water-based materials free from solvents and heavy metals
★ Zero VOC
No volatile organic compounds off-gassing from finished artwork
★ Recycled
Made partially from post-consumer waste
★ Recyclable
Can be recycled at the end of its life cycle
★ Plant-based
Made from renewable plant sources, with a lower carbon footprint
★ Cruelty-free
Ensuring no animals were harmed in production
While finding materials that tick all these boxes might seem challenging, especially in Helsinki, prioritizing based on what matters most to you is a great start.
Creative Sourcing Strategies for Helsinki Artists
Sourcing eco friendly art supplies can be challenging, especially when availability is limited. But with creativity and curiosity, Helsinki offers wonderful alternatives:
Second-hand Shops & Flea Markets: I often find discarded canvases, frames, and papers in Helsinki’s vibrant thrift store scene.
Artist Material Swaps: I help coordinate supply exchanges within our local art community, reducing waste while fostering connection.
Upcycled Materials: Everyday items, from cardboard packaging to natural materials like leaves and stones, often find their way into my work.
Nature’s Palette: Ethical foraging in Helsinki’s parks and forests provides beautiful, non-toxic dyes and textures.
Collaborations: I’ve partnered with local businesses, like kombucha brewers, who donate organic waste (like mycelium) for creative projects.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Practice
Switching to eco friendly art materials might mean adjusting expectations. Colors can look different, drying times may vary, and durability can shift. But it also opens space for new techniques and creative problem-solving. Consider:
What properties are essential for your art practice?
What are you willing to compromise on?
What new techniques are you excited to explore?
Maybe the vibrant colors inspired by Helsinki's summer nights are crucial for your work, or perhaps a specific drying time is necessary for your technique in Finland's humid climate. Identifying these factors will help you choose materials that meet your artistic needs while aligning with your sustainability goals.
Remember, this is a journey. It's okay to transition gradually and experiment along the way. The goal isn't perfection—it's progress.
As members of Helsinki's international art community, we have a unique platform to drive change. By adopting sustainable practices now, we're positioning ourselves at the forefront of a crucial movement in the global art world. We are crafting a legacy of positive impact that reflects Helsinki's commitment to sustainability and driving market demand for innovative, eco-friendly art supplies.
A Call to Action for Finland-based Artists
Audit Your Supplies: Take stock of your current materials and identify areas for sustainable improvement.
Research Alternatives: Explore eco-friendly options for one material you frequently use.
Experiment: Try creating a piece using only sustainable or repurposed materials found in Helsinki.
Share Your Journey: Document your transition to sustainable materials on social media, using Helsinki-specific hashtags to raise local awareness.
Collaborate: Partner with local environmental organizations or fellow artists on sustainability-focused projects.
Choosing eco friendly art supplies and embracing eco art practices isn’t about perfection. It’s about steady, thoughtful progress. Each small decision—swapping a plastic brush for a bamboo one or repurposing an old frame—ripples out into the world.
As an artist in Helsinki, I’ve witnessed how even modest changes inspire dialogue and action. I hope my experiences encourage others to explore, question, and redefine what art can be in a world urgently needing more sustainable solutions.
The city is our canvas. What sustainable masterpiece will you create next?
Artist spotlight: Varpu Eronen. “I think sustainability is such an integral part of my art that it must affect the audience when they decide to buy a piece.”
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