Recycled Ideas and Green Reflections: Elisa Pritzker Talks Art

Nowadays, we're hearing more and more about green issues, recycling, environmental and climate changes. The printed media, TV and the Internet are continuously featuring articles, news and blogs about all these green issues. A good amount of artists all over the world are very receptive to these matters. These subjects are not new but definitely there is a sense of urgency to talk about them. The governments, civil organizations, the business community, are not the only ones receptive to these issues. Creative people are using the arts to present, denounce, reflect and encourage others to take a look at green problems and/or green solutions.

Educating ourselves with environmental happenings is very valuable and an important awareness. This understanding is extremely useful individually and collectively for the whole society at large. If we don't comprehend all the ins and outs of these topics there is a common wisdom and closeness to it. As artists we can reflect on them and make our own contributions.

There are many ways to contribute to it. Some artists will directly express in their work related environmental topics. Other ways could include the consideration of transforming the working environment in a friendlier one. The art studio could be the focus of putting into action all the new consciousness about "Green".

If you feel in sync with the wave of greener life, you may want to consider a few steps to transform your personal direct environment, your studio.

- Do you have a separate disposal of materials? One for papers, other for regular garbage, containers, etc.?

- Do you review your shelves before buying new materials?

- Are you considering replacing lamps for enviro-lamps?

These are green eco-suggestions to use on your immediate settings:

- Make a "cleaning day" at least once a year. If you use enough time you can consciously clean your working space

- Simplify your working area

- Carefully review the labels of your shopping list in the search for recycled materials

- Pass the materials that you don't use to other artists

Set up your own green list. You can create your own and share with your family, friends and colleagues.

Locally, we have a place that you can visit. It's fun and it's recycle friendly. You can buy cheap materials, get inspired by them and make a contribution to a non-profit that is helping the environment. If your art does not fit with their materials you can donate stuff to them. Visit The Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, relocated recently in Ulster County, NY, at www.hvmaterialsexchange.com. And, Materials for the Arts in New York City: www.mfta.org. Similar sites can be found all over the country, just do a little research in your area.

It feels good to make even small steps toward a more enviro-friendly space. Not only it may feel good for you but there is sense of being part of the solutions for the new times.