My Journey to a Sustainable Art Studio
I’ve always been conscious of the importance of recycling, but I wasn’t mindful of the amount of waste I produce until I became a homeowner and mother. After becoming a mom, my eco-anxiety got even worse. We were creating so much extra waste, but more than that I now had Layla to worry about when considering where the state of the planet would be in time.
In addition to letting this show up in the themes of my work, I decided to focus on increasing sustainability of my art practice. The most actionable step I have found is changing my materials and how I source them. In this post I will discuss some of my favorite sustainable resources for art supplies. I always try to follow two rules: Use what I already have, or buy secondhand.
Second Hand Art Supplies: Where I find it and why I prefer it
Estate Sales- Many retirees return to art and creativity once their days aren’t occupied with work. I love when there are signs of use leftover from the previous owner. I even created a whole collection of work inspired by this. I often find brand new or gently used supplies for a fraction of the price they would be at a store. An added bonus is when it’s higher quality or imported supplies that I wouldn’t have sought out otherwise.
What I look for:
sketchbooks- even if they’re partially used it can be great inspiration
brushes
handmade/high quality paper
fabric and thread
scissors
canvas- used or unused
FB Marketplace- I’m not reliant on having the same materials for every piece; as a mixed-media artist I am open to using any tools at my disposal to get my message across.
Many people get the idea to start a creative hobby, over buy supplies, then feel bad just tossing them when they don’t keep up with it. This is when it finds its way to Marketplace. Be sure to compare to store prices though, because some people are definitely trying to rip people off
What I look for:
acrylic paint- I can almost always find small tubes of an entire color range unopened
house paint- especially if you work large like me!
easels- they’re usually gone from the estate sales when I get there, but FB Mkpl always has options
Sewing Machines
Ebay- This may surprise you, but it’s actually fantastic. Plus you can go through the Rakuten app to get 1% cash back (I also put it on my Discover card for additional money back.) If you ‘favorite’ an item to come back to later the seller will usually offer you a discount!
What I look for:
Sewing Machines- there are industrial options on here for a great price if you’re able to put it together yourself
Canvas or Linen blankets- great prices if you stretch your own canvas (it saves so much $)
Antique frames
Vintage fabrics/textiles
Creative Reuse Stores & Thrift Stores- Unfortunately the closest Reuse stores are 2-4 hours away from me, but if I’m going to be in the are I definitely make time to go by. I try to have a very clear idea of what I actually need in the studio to prevent overbuying. Thrift store linen and home sections are fantastic resources for fiber artists. Many times the store will put out a whole lot of fabric and sell it suuuuuper cheap as a bundle.
What I look for:
Interesting fabrics- fun patterns, natural materials, metallics, etc
Bed sheets- great as the backing of more delicate applique, but also lightweight liner fabric for clothes.
Ribbon & Notions- the jewelry section can provide very interesting beads and baubles to incorporate into fiber art.
Painting Clothes- At this point I just know better than to say “I’ll just paint carefully”. I buy used baggy jeans and oversized men’s button downs that I can beat up in the studio. Just be sure to check that everything is washable to make your life easier.
If you start sourcing your supplies secondhand and notice you have amassed too much, here’s an article about how I got my studio back under control.