The Complete Guide to Eco-Art and Environmental Art: Connecting Art and Nature for a Sustainable Future

Eco art is a type of art that explores ecological issues, climate change, and natural phenomena. Eco artists often use natural materials and sustainable practices to create works that activate change and draw attention to global environmental situations. As environmental issues continue to be a pressing concern, eco art has become an important tool for ecological activism and awareness.

On Artterra, there are many talented eco artists who use their work to address ecological issues and promote sustainable art practices. In this article, we will explore the world of eco art, its historical aspects, and its relevance in today's society. We will also delve into the works of some of the eco artists on Artterra and answer some common questions about eco art.

What is Eco Art?

Eco art, also known as ecological art or environmental art, is a genre of art that addresses global environmental situations and ecological issues. It focuses on the natural world, using natural materials and exploring ecological dynamics.

Eco art aims to activate change and raise awareness about environmental problems and ecological activism. It includes a variety of media, such as installation, sculpture, painting, photography, and performance art.

Ecological art and environmental art are sometimes used interchangeably with eco art, but they have some differences. Ecological art is more focused on the natural phenomena and permaculture existences, while environmental art is more concerned with environmental injustice and health hazards.

Eco art has a long history, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of earth art and land art movements. The artist Robert Morris was one of the pioneers of this genre, creating works that explored the relationship between nature and society. Since then, many artists have embraced eco art as a way to engage with environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.

On Artterra, there are many artists who specialize in eco art, such as Lorna Livey, who uses her art to draw attention to the effect of environmental degradation on species such as butterflies. Through her Metamorphosis series, she repurposes work from over 45 years as a printmaker into new art, which is environmentally friendly with as little waste as possible.

Above you can see four art pieces from Lorna Livey’s Metamorphosis series where she repurposes work from over 45 years as a printmaker into new art which is environmentally friendly with as little waste as possible. The original art for these piece was of a window sill with geraniums. The texture of the window screen and the red of the flowers creates vibrant butterflies. Butterflies are a symbol of rebirth, in some cultures representing the souls of the departed. In the mountain area in Mexico where the monarchs overwinter after their long flight from Canada, their arrival coincides with the Day of the Dead.

Principles of Eco Art

Eco art is not just about using natural materials or creating works that depict the natural world. It is an art form that prioritizes sustainable practices and ecological dynamics. Here are some of the main principles of eco art:

• Use of sustainable materials: Eco art uses natural materials that are sustainable and renewable, such as recycled materials, organic matter, and natural fibers.
  
  
• Connection to the natural world: Eco art seeks to establish a connection between the artist and the natural world. It promotes an appreciation for the environment and encourages people to take action to protect it.
  
  
• Addressing environmental issues: Eco art aims to raise awareness about ecological issues and promote environmental activism. It uses art as a medium to encourage people to take action and make changes in their lifestyles that benefit the environment.
  
  
• Reusing and repurposing: Eco art often involves reusing and repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded. This helps to reduce waste and minimize the impact on the environment.
  
  
• Collaboration: Many eco artists work collaboratively with scientists, landscape architects, and other environmental professionals to create works that address ecological problems.

Eco art is closely linked to ecological activism. It has the potential to raise awareness about environmental and ecological issues and activate change. Many eco artists use their work to address climate change, natural phenomena, and global environmental situations.

For example, the Canadian artist Danielle Petti, forages for rocks in nature, grinds them down into a paint, and uses handmade papers or natural substrates to make paintings inspired by motherhood, human origins, and sustainability. Using exclusively handmade paints, she draws attention to the materiality of the paint and to how the earth pigments are interconnected to all bodies. Focusing now on this hands-on and meaningful art medium, she brings pieces of nature into the homes of collectors. She is often motivated by environmental and feminist issues in our world - but often offering an optimism, evoking a sense of wonder of the natural colours of our planet.

Below is a painting from Danielle Petti painted by natural pigments from botanical and mineral sources. 

Eco Art for Kids

Eco art is not just for adults. It is an art form that can be enjoyed by children and used to teach them about the importance of protecting the environment. Eco art for kids encourages creativity while promoting an appreciation for the natural world.

Some examples of eco art for kids include:

• Nature collages: Children can collect leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to create collages that depict scenes from nature.
  
  
• Recycled art: Kids can use recycled materials such as paper tubes, plastic bottles, and cardboard boxes to create works of art.
  
  
• Eco-friendly painting: Children can use non-toxic paint and natural materials such as plant-based dyes to create paintings that are safe for the environment. One of our favourite places for buying eco-friendly paint is Beam Paint. Not only is their paint Vegan and Eco-Friendly but its also Indigenous Handmade. 

Collage art by Artterra artist Marissa Schiesser. Marissa creates collages by repurposing old magazines and art she finds. The artwork above is titled "Three Waves", a collection of waves from the ocean, hands and collaboration send the planet Neptune up the waves and into the universe. This artwork speaks to the importance of a diverse community collaborating to preserve our most precious resources.

Eco friendly interior design

Eco friendly interior design or sustainable interior design refers to the use of sustainable practices and natural materials in designing and decorating living spaces. It is a way to create beautiful and functional spaces while minimizing the impact on the environment.

One of the main principles of eco interior design is the use of natural and renewable materials. This includes wood, bamboo, cork, and other sustainable materials that are responsibly harvested and sourced. Additionally, eco interior design involves reducing waste and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals in the creation of furniture and decor.

Another important aspect of eco interior design is energy efficiency. This can be achieved through the use of energy-saving appliances, LED lighting, and the incorporation of solar panels to power the home. Off-the-grid living is also a popular trend in eco interior design, where individuals strive to reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

In terms of decor, eco interior design incorporates natural elements and focuses on bringing the beauty of the natural world into the home. This can include incorporating plants, natural textiles, and other organic materials in the design. It is a way to create a connection to the natural world and promote a sense of peace and tranquility in the living space.

Eco interior design is an important aspect of sustainable living and can help to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. It is a way to create beautiful and functional spaces while promoting a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Below is an artwork from Artterra artist Sandra Veillette. Sandra's sculptures are born from the raw materials provided by nature, such as wood, roots, bones, mushrooms, and wasps' nests. Her works achieve a delicate balance between shapes, colors, and textures, evoking an out-of-this-world personality in each unique piece.

In conclusion, eco-art and environmental art are important forms of artistic expression that bring attention to environmental issues and promote sustainability. Eco-artists and ecology artists use their work to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of the natural world, and to encourage people to take action to protect it. The principles of sustainability, conservation, and ecology are at the heart of eco-art, and artists are incorporating these principles into their work by using sustainable materials and techniques. Through eco-art, children can learn about the environment and its importance, and people of all ages can develop a deeper connection to nature. There are many opportunities for eco-artists to showcase their work, including eco-art fairs, exhibitions, and galleries. As consumers, we can support eco-art by purchasing sustainable art and supporting eco-artists. Together, we can use the power of art to create positive change for the environment.