When I started my journey as an artist and ceramicist, I knew that my love for creating had to coexist with my respect for the earth. Whether I’m handbuilding a new ceramic piece or sending a suncatcher to its new home, I try to make sure every step of the process is as gentle on the planet as possible.
While I haven’t reached perfection yet, I am dedicated to learning as I go and making intentional, honest changes to ensure my creative practice is as kind to the earth as possible.
Today, I wanted to take you behind the scenes and share some of the eco-friendly practices I’ve integrated into the Alex Conan studio.
Conscious Water & Paint Management
In my studio, the sink is strictly off-limits for paint water to ensure no harmful pigments or chemicals enter our local waterways. Instead of pouring rinse water down the drain, I take my buckets out to the garden, where the soil can act as a natural filter for the residue.
For acrylic paint I use a plastic palette which allows me to peel back the acrylic once it’s dried, or I sometimes salvage packaging from the recycling (like an ice cream container lid) and use that for projects that I will be working on for a while.
Any palettes that need to be scrubbed (usually a gouache or watercolour palette) I take out into the backyard and use the hose and a scrub brush- water lands onto the pavement which is then evaporated by the sun.
In the weeks leading up to a mural I rifle through the recycling bin (my parents house and neighbours are very generous for this) and I build up a collection of large bottles (think milk cartons, 2 litre drink bottles etc) and slice off the top so I have a neat collection of paint pots to mix colours in for installation day.
I am also incredibly vigilant about checking paint tubes for poison symbols; these hazardous materials are never rinsed into the environment or the plumbing. I rarely use these kind of paints but in the past I have and when I do I use a discarded bottle or container from the recycling. Once it has fulfilled its purpose it is then discarded.
By keeping my cleanup process contained and manual, I can ensure that my creative practice supports a healthy ecosystem rather than polluting it.
The "Pre-Loved" Packaging Movement
If you receive a package from me, it might look a little familiar! I’ve enlisted my family to help me collect and gather packaging materials from their own online shopping deliveries. I also write notes to customers on the back of scrap artworks to add a little artistic flair.
Instead of buying new, single-use supplies, I repurpose:
• Bubble wrap and air pillows to keep ceramics safe.
• Kraft paper and honeycomb scrap for cushioning.
• Cardboard boxes
It may mean my boxes don’t always look "factory-standard," but I think there’s a certain beauty in knowing that the wrapping has a second life before it hits the recycling bin.
Ditching the Plastic for Sun catchers
A few years ago, I made a big change. I used to use single-use plastic sleeves to package my suncatchers. While they looked neat, the thought of all that plastic ending up in a landfill didn't sit right with me.
I went back to the drawing board and designed a completely plastic-free packaging system. My suncatchers now ship in custom-designed cardstock holders that are not only 100% recyclable but also reflect the organic, handcrafted nature of the art inside.
I still have a way to go with my art prints which are currently packaged using single use plastic, once those plastic sleeves run out I will be packaging them with an alternative.
Photo below: The first sun catcher packaging I used circa 2021 vs the latest suncatcher packaging.
Shop sun catchers here.
Zero-Waste Clay: The Reclaim Cycle
As a handbuilder, I naturally produce very little clay waste, but "little" isn't "none." I keep buckets in the studio specifically for clay scraps and "slop" (the watery clay from my hands).
Once I have enough, I rehydrate it, let it dry out to the right consistency on my plaster slabs, and then wedge it back into usable clay. It’s a labour-intensive process, but it ensures that no clay is ever thrown away. Every scrap eventually finds its way into a finished piece.
Watch this instagram reel where I show how I made the plaster batt for clay reclaim
Other Ways I’m Staying Green:
• Energy-Efficient Firing: I try to fire the kiln when it is completely full to maximize the energy used during each heat cycle.
• Supporting Local: Wherever possible, I source my raw materials from local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping.
Why It Matters
Creating art is about bringing beauty into the world, and I believe that beauty should extend to how the art is made. When you support a small studio like mine, you’re not just buying a physical object—you’re supporting a slower, more intentional way of living.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for choosing art that cares for the planet!
With love and gratitude,
Alex
