Serendipity
A few months ago, I bought a handmade ceramic palette crafted by a local watercolour-maker (https://chooice.co.nz/store/bellbird-watercolour/). My intent was to support a small, local business. After I brought it home, I sat and looked at it and had an epiphany. Why have we mostly lost the indefinable ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality of the past, when a utilitarian implement was crafted to be beautiful? Useful items were crafted and embellished, and were often prized, treasured and expected to be of superior quality and longevity. They became heirlooms that were gifted from generation to generation, valued not just for their usefulness but for their artistry and beauty.
We live in such a disposable society now, where so much merchandise is so cheap, poorly designed and made, manufactured for a brief lifespan, intended to be replaced and not repaired, and finally, disposed of in daily growing toxic landfills.
As stated in my previous two blogs, the goal of my artwork is to:
Raise awareness of endangered species.
Prevent further habitat destruction and pollution affecting endangered species by using natural materials only.
Reduce product disposal by creating excellent quality and durable products that will not contribute to towering landfills.
Make useful items, not just fine artworks, that are beautiful and deemed worthy of keeping instead of disposing.
Currently I am working on a new project. I hoped it would be ready by now, but I hit a few roadblocks; however, I am grateful it was delayed, as I now have a clearer vision and a greater goal. I will tell you that it involves natural materials, kits and creativity for my customers.
Are you ready to change your lifestyle and take responsibility for your purchases, their packaging and their disposal?
Recommended Reading:1. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2021/07/washing-machine-filters-failing-to-stop-microplastic-pollutants-ending-up-on-kiwi-beaches.html
2. https://amberoot.com/blogs/blog/synthetic-clothes-and-the-consequences-to-our-health
3. https://www.trustedclothes.com/blog/2018/08/09/three-ethical-reasons-to-avoid-synthetic-fabrics-and-switch-to-natural-fabrics/
4. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/natural-vs-synthetic-fibers#what-are-natural-fibers
