I decided to become an artist when I was a child. I can't ever remember not doing art. Then I became a teenager and decided to study art and move on from my pencils to more 'grown up' materials at art school. I started to suffer from headaches and eczema and realised after some time it was due to the chemicals in the materials I was using. Art history revealed that artists through the ages have always suffered for their art. Many died from the toxic pigments and other ingredients. Modern additives weren't any better and just added to the chemical cocktails. Eventually I decided I didn't want to suffer anymore and that I would just take up computer art to escape from these problems. Not what I really wanted to do but a creative outlet that I could manage. I didn't think to look into an alternative.
Then a few years ago the pull of painting drew me back in and I started painting wonderful florals with acrylic paints. They didn't smell as badly as I remembered and certainly were better than the solvents used for oils. I was so happy again. Then a few months later it started. Blinding migraines, aching joints, brain fog and dizziness. Not just me this time either, my children too. Argh!!!
There must be a better way!!! Watercolours aren't too bad if you avoid the synthetic pigments and the toxic natural pigments (yes, even some natural pigments are highly toxic). Pencils maybe? I wasn't excited. Then I remembered the natural house paints I had used in my daughter's bedrooms. I certainly hadn't wanted the toxins I knew were in paints in their rooms when they were babies.
An idea was hatched! Can you even use house paint for art? Well yes ... but it's not perfect. So it began, my messy adventure blending and mixing the perfect non toxic art paint.
I now blend my own 'acrylic like' paints from natural, non toxic ingredients like tree resins, finely ground minerals and plant fibres. I'm still perfecting the blends and get enormously frustrated sometimes. It's just so worth it though.
Soon I hope to bring out my very own range of non toxic artists paints so you and your children can experience the joys of art without the headaches and health issues.
Most artists still have to use the standard acrylic paint which is basically just liquid plastic coupled with some toxic chemical agents and pigments. This makes for an unhealthy environment for the artist and is toxic for the earth given that the waste paints end up in landfill or waterways. Ultimately you bring these into your home too in their art.
There is a better way. There's not much choice right now and toxic is the norm,
but wouldn't it be good if we can change this!
One painting at a time.