Embracing Circular Economy: A New norm for Artists

Ethics and sustainabilityAbout Vegesentfor artists

9 Dec

As artists in the vibrant and progressive city of Helsinki, we have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in sustainable practices. Today, we're going to explore a concept that's revolutionizing not just the art world, but the global economy: the circular economy. By embracing this model, we can dramatically reduce our environmental footprint while opening up exciting new avenues for creativity.

Understanding the Circular Economy
At its core, the circular economy is a model of production and consumption that extends the life of products and materials. It's a stark contrast to the traditional linear economy's "take-make-dispose" approach. Instead, the circular economy encourages us to rethink our relationship with materials, emphasizing reuse, repair, and recycling.
In Helsinki, a city known for its commitment to sustainability, adopting circular economy principles in our art practices aligns perfectly with the local ethos. It's not just about being eco-friendly; it's about reimagining our entire creative process.

Artist spotlight: Michael Gresalfi (website) featuring "What Man Has Wrought". This seven-panel installation offers an opportunity for self-reflection, making creative use of styrofoam with melted wax, acrylics and a heat gun to reflect humanity’s darker side and visions of a world we risk if we fail to make restoring our Earth our shared priority.

Circular Thinking in the Studio

So, how can we apply circular economy principles in our Helsinki art studios? Let's break it down:

1. Reassess What You Have

Before buying new supplies, look around your studio. What can be reused or repurposed?

2. Borrow and Share

Consider setting up a tool-sharing system within our association or SWAMP: art material and waste management point.

This not only saves resources but also strengthens our artistic community - a value deeply embedded in Finnish culture.

3. Buy Second-hand

Explore Helsinki's numerous flea markets and second-hand shops. You might find unique materials that inspire new creative directions.

4. Mindful Purchasing

When you do buy new, invest in quality. Choose durable materials that align with Helsinki's reputation for excellent design and longevity.

5. Creative Recycling

Before discarding materials, consider their potential for new art. Those old newspapers could become papier-mâché sculptures.

Remember, embracing the circular economy isn't about limitation - it's about innovation. By thinking circularly, we open ourselves to new techniques, materials, and ideas that we might never have considered otherwise.

 Artist spotlight: India Benjamin (website) handmade notebook made of thrifted t-shirt.

“I make notebooks from second hand clothes, and making mini notebooks from scrap materials leftover from making notebooks. I also save my own packaging from parcels and reuse this when sending out orders, and shred any paper that's too small for mini notebooks and use to protect parcels instead of bubble wrap.“

*Image courtesy: SWAMP: Art Material Swap and Waste Management Point. Materials donated by Taidehalli.*

Responsible Waste Management: A Crucial Component

As we adopt circular practices, we must also address waste management. In Helsinki, where environmental consciousness is high, proper disposal of art materials is not just good practice - it's an expectation. Here's what you need to know:

Hazardous Materials: Many art supplies, including those with extreme pH levels, wet paints, glues, varnishes, adhesives, wash water of painting tools and certain ceramic materials, require special handling. Familiarize yourself with Helsinki's hazardous waste collection points -> https://www.hsy.fi/en/waste-and-recycling/waste-guide/sorting/hazardous-waste/
Recycling: Helsinki has an excellent recycling system. Make use of it! Remember the five main categories: metal, glass, paper, plastic, and compost.
Upcycling: Before recycling, consider if materials can be upcycled into new artwork. This not only reduces waste but can also become a signature of your artistic style.

By managing our waste responsibly, we're not just protecting Helsinki's beautiful environment - we're setting an example for artists worldwide.

Project highlight: SWAMP: Art Material Swap and Waste Management Point

“We operate as a centralized hub for sustainable art materials. By collecting reusable items from various donors and making them available to art workers for free, we create a circular system that benefits both creators and the environment. This model ensures materials find new life in artistic projects rather than ending up as waste.

we receive materials from museums and other organizations in the capital region (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa), many of which consider sustainability among their main priorities."

The Helsinki Advantage

As international artists in Helsinki, we're uniquely positioned to embrace the circular economy:

Community Support: Helsinki's strong sense of community makes it easier to support and use sharing systems like SWAMP and collaborative projects.
Environmental Awareness: The city's commitment to sustainability means you'll find a receptive audience for circular economy art practices.
Innovation Hub: Helsinki's reputation as a center for innovation provides opportunities to collaborate with tech companies and startups on sustainable art projects.
Natural Inspiration: The city's blend of urban life and nature offers endless inspiration for creating art from recycled or natural materials.
Cultural Institutions: Engage with Helsinki's museums and galleries about showcasing works that embody circular economy principles.

*Image courtesy: SWAMP: Art Material Swap and Waste Management Point. At SWAMP's storage.*

Taking Action: Your Circular Economy Journey Starts Now

Ready to embrace the circular economy in your art practice? Here are some actionable steps:

Studio Audit: Go through your studio and identify items that can be reused or repurposed.
Community Engagement: Propose a tool-sharing system within our association.
Waste Assessment: Research proper disposal methods for your most-used materials.
Circular Artwork: Challenge yourself to create a piece using only recycled or repurposed materials. Visit SWAMP to collect and donate supplies for free.
Educate and Inspire: Share your circular economy journey on social media, using Helsinki-specific hashtags to raise local awareness. Use #HIAAfinland and #Vegesent_ArtTips in Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Artist spotlight: Michael Gresalfi (website) featuring "Where Have All The Birds Gone?".

This repurposed work originated with my purchase of a 1970s-era post-it board, which I then transformed into a climate change focused work of art.  I began with a 19.5″ x 27.5″ canvas framed and unpainted machine-stamped post-it board that included the outlines of birds sitting along attached twine, along with one-inch-sized clothes pins.