"Desire Turns Concrete" 16x20" oil on canvas © Shayla Perreault Newcomb |
Detoxing My Art Practice
One artist’s quest
Art can be bad for your health
Research into the effects of "art" on artists has been fairly sparse. Very often, studies into health issues concerning industrial painters and craftsmen have been the most useful sources of relevant information. Being largely self-employed rather than a cohesive group with its own representation, artists have had their health issues overlooked.
Many artists don't question their favorite methods and materials and if no one is checking up on their behalf or enforcing good health and safety practices, they are often quite happy to carry on regardless. It is perhaps only when a physical symptom is personally experienced that an artist stops to consider whether his or her working practices and workplace may be responsible.
"Artists are a very strange breed of people," Rickard says. "They tend to be quite anti-establishment, anti-authority. If the rules say do this, they'll do the opposite quite deliberately."
Or perhaps artists feel that "it's a risk you're willing to take because you're excited by the materials and their potential," Barazani says. Or maybe "these artists are not casual with the materials they're working with because they feel they know them so well that they don't have to worry about them," Conibear says, "but rather they're mostly just ignorant and just haven't thought of it in that context."
The most compelling explanation may be a combination of a dangerous attitude and ignorance of dire consequences.
"The self-employed artist may be socialized to be above such mundane concerns. They're thinking on a higher plane. They're creators," says Fuortes. "But once someone has health problems, they're extremely attentive."
Read the entire article here.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Surrender to Healing - a Personal Detox Story
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Mark Making with Conte Crayons
HARMFUL. EYE IRRITANT.
CONTAINS: ACETONE
PRECAUTIONS: Do not smoke when using. Keep away from
eyes. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and open flames.
Vapors can ignite explosively. If using indoors turn off all
pilots lights. Do not store or use near heat or flame. Use
only with adequate ventilation.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
FIRST AID TREATMENT: If eye contact occurs, rinse with tap
water for 5-10 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical
care. If inhalation symptoms occur, move to fresh air. If
symptoms persist, see a physician.
For further health information, contact a poison control
center or call 1-800-222-1222.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
An On-going Search for the Perfect Adhesive
- Washable
- Acid-Free
- Photo Safe
- Goes on Smooth
- Safe, Non-Toxic
- Dries Clear
- Dries Fast
- Adjustable Before Setting
From the Frequently asked questions on Elmer's website:
WHO VERIFIES THIS GENERAL CLAIM?
There is no organization that verifies the use of “non-toxic” other than the company manufacturing or marketing the product. While CPSC requires some products to display hazard labeling, it conducts no oversight or enforcement of the use of the term "non-toxic."
How meaningful is the label?
“Non-toxic” is not meaningful and can be misleading. There is no definition or standard used for judging whether a consumer product or its ingredients are “non-toxic,” and no assurance that such a claim has been independently verified. A product that does not meet the definition of “toxic” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission should not necessarily be considered non-toxic.
Its going to take a lot of time to look at all the materials I have in my studio. And of course, I would rather be making art.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Paint Storage Tips
Paint products can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can lead to a strong, offensive and in some cases, sickening odor. Paints such as poster paints and temperas that are intended for classroom use, and for children, often contain an organic binder that is subject to degradation if not stored properly, or used within a reasonable period of time.
To guard against bacteria and mold, manufacturers of paint products add preservatives to these products. Diluting the product will decrease the effectiveness of preservatives. Below are some tips on storing paint products to maximize their shelf life:
- Store the product in its original container in a cool, dry place and prevent freezing.
- Date and rotate inventory, always using the oldest stock first.
- Thoroughly shake the product before using.
- Remove only enough paint for immediate use. Never return unused portions to the original container.
- Never dilute the product. The addition of water dilutes the preservative's strength as well as the paint. If diluting paint to simulate watercolor techniques, prepare only enough for immediate use.
- Avoid working directly from the original product container. Do not place brushes, hands, or other objects in the container.
- After each use, make sure the cap is returned tightly and that the product is sealed before storing.