My drawing Palm Leaves was exhibited at Langley Centennial Museum, at their Green Art: Sharing Sustainable Approaches and Practices exhibition, from February 19th- May 21st 2022.
About Palm Leaves: 2021
This work is a pigment exploration. It is made using: gesso (made from limestone powder, methyl cellulose, and honey), eco-friendly watercolour paints, pastels made using pigment and wheat paste, store-bought pastels, wood panel, casein and alcohol based fixative spray.
Palm Leaves is a two-dimensional drawing on a wood panel, measuring 18 x 48”. This is an experimental work created mainly using eco-friendly art supplies. There are differences in how these materials are handled compared to store-bought pre-made art supplies. These works are created in an expressive flow state and are meant to be semi-figurative with a dreamy aesthetic.
This explorative work is created with longevity in mind, as the materials I use are high quality. It may change slightly as it ages, highlighting its beautifully unique life cycle.
About Pigment Explorations:
In my present art practice, I consider the lifecycle of the work I create. It's important to me that my art pieces have the ability to one day go back to the Earth, while simultaneously maintaining a gallery appeal and abiding to some sort of traditional aesthetic. I use natural materials wherever possible and source my supplies from businesses that have ethical practices. This process has taken place over several years, as I have made the slow transition into this practice using what I have first even if it's not "green", then once it's used up I find an eco-friendly replacement for it. I believe this practice in itself is the most eco-friendly thing we can do once one is aware of the impact of the products they use on the environment. Rather than adding to the landfill perfectly good art supplies we can simply use them up and do better for the Earth going forward. Even though eco-friendliness in art-making is a priority for me, I believe there must be a balance between expression and creating art while making sure you're treating the Earth right. Through my practice I strive to find this balance while challenging outdated ideas around what is archival. I aim to share ways of creating that are both eco-friendly and plays on traditional painting and drawing techniques while simultaneously bringing mindfulness and compassion for oneself in this process. My hope is that this practice inspires others to play, ask questions, and connect with nature in their art practice in expanded and eco-friendlier ways.
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