Sustainability

Prints > Carbon Neutral

‘For my art prints I use a carbon neutral print and order fulfillment service run by The Print Space. They ship worldwide, using different distribution centres (USA, Germany for Europe and UK) to cut down on the environmental cost of sending art prints internationally, as well as cutting down the monetary cost of shipping for buyers.’

Being mindful of resin and having a more planet friendly process

’In the wrong hands, resin can be wasteful, and sadly this has meant some people have a lot of misconceptions about resin, however, I want to reassure you that I personally use extensive methods to ensure the most minimal amount of resin possible is wasted in my artistic process, I do this in the following ways:

I will never create resin only objects; I create my artwork using thin layers of resin, and layers of other art mediums. I use resin as an art medium on wooden art panels and canvases and I will never create sculptural or molded items with resin that involve pouring litres of resin into a mold to cure.

I always have blank art panels or canvases ready to use any leftover resin on; if there are still small amounts of resin to use from the mixing cups or dripping from the main artwork, I will use this excess resin on the first layers of a new artwork, creating details and contrast on new work, building shadow layers or sealing artworks rather than creating waste.

From 2020, I began using paper cups to mix my pigments and colours, I scrape out as much resin as possible and I reuse the cups multiple times, until completely unusable. Once they can no longer be used, I try to use these as ‘elevation’ cups, meaning the cups I place the artwork on to elevate the surface from the table for pouring etc.

Before 2020, plastic cups were used, I have been reusing these same plastic cups in my studio for years now, I also now use them for elevating artworks and artwork covers and will use these remaining cups until they physically cannot be used anymore.

Any plastic based seasonal decorative items have been discontinued, I will no longer create seasonal holiday hanging items using plastic surfaces. I will use wooden bases only for future seasonal decorations.’

Environmentally conscious packaging - artwork safety instead of aesthetics

‘Sending artwork both nationally and internationally requires protection, I use recycled and recyclable green bubble-wrap for sending orders. I will always send a note with my orders asking my buyers to recycle or reuse the bubble-wrap that has protected their order during delivery.
With larger artworks, I ensure pieces are fully protected for safe delivery, but I am always looking for greener alternatives. I reuse air bubble pockets and other pre-used bubble wrap that I receive from ordering larger items and art panels that would have otherwise been single-use. I also use wrapping foam, which can be re-used once unwrapped, for protecting or sending your own items.

I use cardboard boxes to send all orders, these can be recycled after unwrapping.

I package my artwork to get the artwork from my studio to your home, in the safest way possible, with a care card, certificate of authenticity and business card. I currently do not use any unnecessary extra boxes/un-recyclable resources for aesthetic unboxing or branding purposes, meaning there is less waste overall when the artwork is unwrapped.’

Art style evolution

‘I often explore new techniques and I am currently developing new artwork ideas that use less resin in the process, while thinking long-term to cut down on my resin use overall. I will also be looking at evolving into canvas use (instead of exclusively using wooden/aluminium art panels) for larger non-resin ideas, which will also make shipping large artworks much more environmentally friendly; sending canvas artworks rolled with the collector stretching/framing them at their local framers instead (this also majorly saves on shipping costs for collectors, so it’s a win, win!).’

If you have any extra suggestions for how I can be more environmentally conscious, I would love to know > hello@katiealizeart.com