Environment

Recycling – Spring Goals

April 18, 2019April 19, 2019 artfeatu

As an artist who deeply cares for the state of our environment, I want to share a little bit of my process for living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Media coverage brings to light many environmental issues that we face and how these issues damage our ecosystems. The more I read and research, the heavier the sinking feeling in my gut. I can no longer look away.

Last summer our LARGE black garbage can overflowed or came very close to overflowing (how embarrassing). After implementing a few small changes, our garbage shrunk down to two small bags, probably a fifth of what we used to throw away.

While at my local recycling facility, I decided to take note of all the items my community recycles. More items can be recycled than I thought!

Yay!!!

Plastic

Strathmore, Alberta Recycling

I found it helpful to know which plastics I can recycle and how to organize them to take to the recycling yard.

Paper

The above images show the guidelines at the Stathmore Recycling Facility. For more information, check out the Town of Strathmore or the Strathmore Recycling Facility. If you do not live in the Strathmore area, plan a trip to your local recycling facility and take a look around.

Reduce

When we reduce our garbage, we become more mindful of how we use resources and ease the pressure on recycling systems. Use reusable bags where you can and buy products packaged without the use of plastic.

The earth is filled with art for those who look.
Don’t let Garbage cloud the view.

Art

The world around me inspires my art – I strive to create positive and life-giving art. Implementing an eco-friendly lifestyle allows me to see the beauty without having to look past the trash.

Next week…

I will be creating more art products – hope you have a chance to join me.

Environment, Uncategorized

Intentional Living for a Sustainable Life

January 31, 2019March 26, 2019 artfeatu

If you look up the definition of intentional living you will come across words and phrases like conscious attempts, life choices, attitudes, deliberate decisions, purpose, self-awareness, and the list goes one. Recently I watched a Market Place episode on plastic waste and it’s impact on our environment. As I sat there watching I was appalled by the lack of knowledge and concern of how our lifestyles are impacting the environment. Yes, this includes my own ignorance! I was struck with guilt the very next day when I made a quick stop at the grocery store. A plastic bag for the tomatoes, another for the lettuce, …the avocado, does it really need to go into a plastic bag, and that one lime I bought…

The story continues as I proceeded to the checkout and realized my reusable bags were at home. Really?!

I thought I was doing my part, growing my own vegetables, composting, recycling, and making products that are better for the environment and better for my family. After all, I chose to use water-based ink over plastisol for screen printing. What does that matter when other areas of my life are contributing to the problem? Better yet, how am I going to fix this problem?

First, a quick definition to clarify goals and intentions.

Goals and intentions are not the same but work well together.

Goals are set in the future and have a destination.

Intentions are in the present and focus on how you live in that moment.

Back to the question I asked earlier. How am I going to fix my problem? I have decided to set intentions and goals that revolve around helping our environment. Simply put, I want to recognize and live my values daily, with intention, to help meet my goals that include reducing my footprint.

The Project

I love fun bags and totes and I love creating items that are not harmful to our environment. For me, having pretty totes that are multi-functional sets me up for success – I am more likely to have totes with me when I have to make that quick stop at the grocery store for one or two items. Let me be honest here, one or two items usually turns into more items than I can carry with my two hands.

Natural Cotton

It is important to me to use natural fibers in my creations. This bag is made from 10 oz. natural cotton. The design is screen printed with water-based ink. Functionality is also very important to me. The printed design portion of this bag creates four deep pockets for books… The main large section (16″x 14″) is perfect for the “one or two” items from the grocery store or for carrying books and lunch on the way to work. I included an inside zipper pocket for my phone and a key clip. I also decided to incorporate leather handles to add a little class.

Moving Forward

As I move forward I am excited to make a variety of totes incorporating an assortment of custom surface pattern designs. I plan to make some of the bags with canvas handles and others with leather handles. To keep it fun, I will introduce color into some of the designs. I am excited to start creating!

In order to help fulfill my daily intentions and environmental goals, I will be designing other environmentally friendly and sustainable items. For those who have joined me on this journey, thank you, I will keep you posted.

For more images follow me on Instagram.

If you don’t think using plastic is a problem, check out the Market Place Episode on Plastic Waste. Every little step helps!

Environment, Screen Printing

Where Have You Been

November 12, 2018November 12, 2018 artfeatu

Or should I say…

Where Have I Been?

Where have I been is a very good question? I have been here, busily working. Early this year I decided to change the focus of my website to reflect where my art venture has taken me. I have come to realize that doing something well takes time, but I am still here and I am excited to give everyone a glimpse into what has been keeping me so busy.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s start there.

…I love screen printing apparel, and creating unique designs.

Along with creating beautiful designs and screen printing, I think it is very important to be aware of the impact that we are having on our environment, and be proactive in making changes that will have less of an impact.

Combining these two elements, screen printing and the environment, took me down a long path of research, exploration, seeking industry advice, consulting with other artists, and lots of practice. I have a box full of shirts that have become shop rags to prove it.

Using plastisol inks would have been easier.

Plastisol inks print well on all fibers, not just natural fibers.
Sourcing water based inks that I like, is a little tricky, especially here in Canada.
Plastisol inks print well on dark shirts.
Plastisol inks won’t dry in the screen.

Plastisol ink would have saved me many head aches and moments of frustration.

So, why even bother with water based inks?

Water based ink is better for our environment, and that is the number one reason for me.
No harsh chemicals are used in the cleanup.
The feel of the water based prints is softer than plastisol.
New advancements in water based ink are making them easiler to use allowing artists to create halftones, detailed work, and produce beautiful rich images.
Working with water based inks means I have to work with natural fibers, which can be harder to source and a little on the pricey side, but it is exactly the path I want to head down. Products made with natural fibers are sustainable, biodegradable, better for our skin, and last longer than synthetic fibers. I am still working on the best way to incorporate natural fibers into my art line, so stay tuned as I work through the progress. I will post updates on my progress, sources, and any useful information that I find along the way.

Water based white ink

…pulling ink is so much fun.

Our Home

Yes, I love our home, and that is why it is so important for me to do this right. As I proceed forward I want to learn, grow, and educate for the better of our planet. It would be a sad day for me (and our planet) if I no longer encountered beautiful creatures on my hikes with my family.

So that, in a nutshell is where I have been.

Bee
Chipmunk

For more photos of the day-to-day activities join me on Instagram.

Follow me on Instagram

We – the current generation – have a moral responsibility to make the world better for future generations.
Priscilla Chan