Leslie Parke, Paint Tubes on Table, photo credit Nina Duncan. 

Artists shouldn't sacrifice their health and safety for the sake of their art.

While many artists believe it's worth it, there are ways to address this stigma and implement healthier alternatives. If you're seeking a change but unsure where to begin, we have some suggestions on how to maintain an art career and your health.

Are those harsh chemicals pushing you towards finding ways to manage a cleaner work environment?

Artwork Archive gathered together some practices for you to start implementing into your daily studio practice for a healthier and more sustainable future. 

 

Take a look at what art materials you are already using. 

Are you familiar with the hidden dangers lurking in your art materials?

Unbeknownst to many artists, there is an abundance of harsh chemical toxins hiding in the fine print on paint tubes and resin cans. But fear not! Making a small shift towards healthier alternatives can lead to a more sustainable and thriving artistic career.

Think about it for a moment: pigments like cadmium release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm your health when inhaled. Synthetic materials often contain harsh additives and a host of hazards can be found in resins, glues, silicone, plaster dust, wood, ceramics, and solvents.

Thankfully, the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials (LHAMA) and the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) are here to help. They evaluate and certify art products for safety, so keep an eye out for products with the AP or CL seals from ACMI. These seals indicate that the materials have undergone extensive toxicological testing by medical experts. And, don't forget to explore their additional resources to discover approved and safe artist materials that will keep you and your creations thriving. Your health and creativity deserve a toxic-free environment!

 

Try changing out your art materials to make them more safe. 

When people say that even a small amount of change can make a big difference, it holds true in this context. Making slight changes in your studio practice can have a significant impact on both your own sustainability and the sustainability of your artwork.

Consider replacing turpentine with ACMI-certified artist soap, which not only eliminates toxic odors but also helps preserve your brushes effectively.

Opt for pigments that bear the AP seal. If you need more information and resources to find approved products, you can explore the ACMI member directory for further assistance.

 

Remember, your best investment is investing in safety gear for yourself

If you are one of those artists who prefer not to change the materials you use, that's perfectly fine! There's an alternative approach to mitigating the potential harm from toxic materials, which involves investing in additional safety gear.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can offer you an extra layer of protection between you and your art materials. Wearing gloves, and respiratory protection such as masks, and goggles can help keep you safe within your studio environment.

In addition to using PPE, it's helpful to maintain good ventilation. Installing proper ventilation systems, keeping a fan running, or opening windows can help circulate fresh air, reducing the concentration of potentially harmful substances. Also, make sure to take periodic breaks and ensure the cleanliness in your studio. These are small, but effective ways to promote a healthy environment for your artistic practice.

Installing Embracing Well-Being at the Rochester Art Center, by artist Anne Labovitz. 

 

Think about how to store materials safely and separate the waste. 

Do you make sure to tightly seal the lids on all your art materials to prevent leaks or spills?

Have you considered using fire-proof storage cabinets specifically designed for solvents and reactive materials? These cabinets provide an added layer of safety and protection.

Take some time to brainstorm ways to create a toxicant-free studio environment or, at the very least, precautions to ensure the longevity of your studio.

Think about which materials can potentially react with each other and store them separately in designated areas. This helps minimize the risk of accidental reactions or hazards. Flammable materials such as solvent-soaked painting rags, and chemical gases should be kept away from heat and electrical outlets. 

While cleaning up, make sure to properly clean areas and dispose of hazardous materials. Keep fireproof waste containers readily available to dispose of oil pigments and solvents. It's also important to schedule regular cleaning of air filters to prevent clay dust from accumulating in vents.

Many studio collectives or non-profit art centers already have these safety measures in place, so consider learning from their practices and implementing them in your own studio. These might include industrial HVAC systems, making sure that kilns are properly ventilated, routine mopping, and proper systems for disposal.

If you're responsible for the storage and disposal of harmful materials on your own, investing in these safety products will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to breathe easy, both figuratively and literally, knowing that you have taken necessary precautions.

 

What does your studio practice look like?

Speaking of safety measures, take a quick look at your studio. Besides storage and disposal, what other factors come into play when viewing the health and safety of your studio environment? 

We’ve brought up how to create an eco-friendly art studio, now let's jump further into the safety of it all. 

• Ventilation: Open windows are a great way to not need industrial ventilation systems. However, if you are looking for a long-term solution, it is worth investing in your own health with a ventilation system.
• Electricity: Check that your lights don’t emit a lot of heat. In today’s climate, there are a variety of bulbs available that won’t heat up. Also, keep a separate space within your studio for electronic devices. Make sure to keep your cords neat and out of your pathway so you don’t trip yourself. And please, don’t plug millions of extension cords into each other.
• Regular Clean-Up: Be sure to clean up your space often. That way, you won't trip, slip, or back into anything laying on the floor. Remember that cleaning up your space counts as part of your studio practice. 
• Drink Water: Bring a bottle of water along with you to hydrate throughout your studio time. Keep the cap on so that you don't mistake water for a cup of solvent.

How can you get some advice from those that have been around before you?

We recommend going to open studios and gaining advice from your contemporaries on best studio safety practices. This not only keeps you networking, but sharing helps build community. Create that safe studio environment one day at a time. 

 

Get informed about the sustainability of your art materials. 

Artwork maintenance is continuous. Know how your materials will react with each other to limit the headaches of conservators. 

Helpful resources like ACS provide information about the chemical properties and reactions of art materials.

Did you know that Van Gogh used early synthetic pigments that have changed color over time? An article written by The World in 2015, stated that, “In many of his paintings he used bold colors—including the red hue [plumbonacrite]—which apparently degrades when exposed to light.”

Van Gogh might not have known about the longevity of this pigment when he used it, but we don't have that excuse. We are now able to research all of our materials before we use them.

Today, most art suppliers are trying to think ahead to provide healthier options for their products. 

• Akua Pigments are an example of a safe soy-oil based alternative to harsher printmaking inks and clean up with soap and water. 

• Liquitex offers compatibility resources for chemicals within materials. 

• South Texas College shares a great safety list for clay. 

• The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has a lot to offer about the safety and effects of art materials. 

• Materials Information & Technical Resources for Artists includes a range of forums for artists and makers. 

 

Follow up with sustaining a healthy self. 

Be aware of your physical and mental well-being. Your art is important, but you can't make your work if you aren't healthy. Your own personal well-being is just as important to your practice as the materials or studio environment!

What does your "internal studio" look like? Be aware of overworking, as this exposes you to toxicants for a longer period of time. Getting fresh air could be just the break you need. 

Artwork Archive hosted a webinar entitled, Wellness for Artists: Practical Tips for Artists’ Physical and Mental Wellbeing, to help our community explore the importance of expressing creatively while also taking care of your wellbeing.

 

Remember, your health is the most important aspect of your art career.