Sometimes making a new object feels overwhelming in a world full of too many human-made materials, but I have found peace by taking small steps towards balancing my love for painting with my love for the planet. And yes, the individual is a speck of dust in the face of state and corporate ecocide, but I do believe in our collective ability to shift culture. Here’s a brief summary of my sustainable studio practices:

No solvents 

I completely avoid solvents by using only water-based oil paints. I’ve had a lot of luck with Cobra and Winsor & Newton water-soluble oil paints. Water-soluble oil paints are so underrated! I love them.

No acrylics 

I no longer purchase any acrylic paint. I have recently switched to using Natural Earth Paint’s methyl cellulose and Sinopia Casein Gesso, both of which use plant-based binders instead of acrylics.

No harmful pigments

No cadmiums

No cobalt 

Cadmium is very harmful for human health and the environment. While an individual artist contributes minimal damage, cadmium manufacturing contributes to harmful runoff. Read more here and here.

Cobalt mining is not only harmful for the earth, but is also associated with child labor and human rights violations, particularly in the DRC. Read more here. 

Repurposed painting surfaces

I always prioritize a repurposed painting surface and have recently started to harvest scrap wood in order to hand-build wood panels that are not only high quality, but also local.  

Using and re-using what I have: 

Why do some of my paintings still include acrylic in the description? Even four years later, I’m using up the last of my materials from my time as an undergraduate! It’s much better to make something beautiful with old paint instead of letting it sit in the tube or sending it to a landfill. 

Additional practices: 

Conscious consuming: I avoid new products as much as possible, I try my best to always shop local, I only purchase supplies that I will actually use, I seek out recycled supplies from my community (craigslist, facebook marketplace,) I repurpose my own old supplies, and I promote earth-friendly art supplies like: Beam Paints, Natural Earth Paint, Earth Pigments, White Dragon Paper Co, and more.

Research: 

I consistently research new ways to shift our culture away from extraction and into reciprocity. Right now, most of my research involves themes discussed in my work Culture Shifted. 

Community Engagement: 

At the end of the day, even as I work towards a zero-waste studio practice, just 100 corporations are responsible for 71% of global emissions, not to mention relentless plastic production and state inaction. Getting engaged in community climate action is by far the most powerful thing we can do as individuals. I have worked with SanDiego.350 and Los Angeles Climate Reality in the past, and I’m excited to join more local organizations when I move to my new home in Berkeley, CA. 

Important note: I’m NOT perfect!

Creating a 100% plastic-free, zero-waste painting studio is extremely difficult, especially when manufacturers are still reliant on plastic packaging. This is a long LONG journey and I’m constantly running into unforeseen waste and single-use plastic. I have a long way to go, but I believe in consumer power and the ability for individuals to shift culture.

What I’m working on this year: 

  • Finding wood panels that aren’t wrapped in a non-recyclable plastic film (Blick, c’mon!) 

  • Zero-Waste Packaging— Right now I still have many non-recyclable plastic sleeves for my prints. Eventually, I want 100% of my prints to be packaged in compostable sleeves from companies like Clear Bags.

  • Learning more about brushes— which natural fibers will work for me? Can I escape synthetic bristles? How can I better preserve the brushes I do have?

  • Finding a new source for scrap wood and hand-built panels in my new city (Berkeley, CA. Let me know if you have any recommendations!)

  • Switching all of my business finances to a fossil-fuel free bank.

  • Seeking out more Earth-friendly artist supplies (contact me if you know of any!)

  • Getting involved in local and direct climate action in Northern California. 


Do you have any sustainable studio questions or suggestions? Let’s connect!