Ahead of this Earth Day we’ve been speaking to three New Blood artists who work with materials that are non-toxic and sustainable, integrating this commitment into their distinctive artistic practices. These are innovative fine artists who are creating exceptional, affordable fine art: Keith Robinson, winner of a BP portrait prize and the Scottish Portrait prize last year; Colette LaVette, who has a solo show coming up in on the Portobello Road, Notting Hill; and recent Glasgow graduate Soorin Shin, who makes sculptures using futuristic technologies – her work is unlike anything we’ve seen.
Colette LaVette
Colette LeVette’s commitment to sustainability is impressive. She makes her own paints using mostly natural earth pigments, such as ochres and iron oxides, which she mixes with linseed oil. For surfaces she’ll use linen or organic cotton, stretched over FSC (sustainably sourced) pine and bamboo paper to make a canvas. Every time she makes a painting Colette aims for zero waste, by using paint thinner that is non-toxic and won’t harm aquatic life, as well as preserving her brushes and rags and shipping work carbon neutral whenever possible. See our feature on how Colette has designed her home with the same meticulous consideration for materials.
Keith Robinson’s well-received recent series of portraits, History Revision, are all made on recycled painting rags and stretched frames. It’s significant because as well as materials, the images themselves are repurposed: Keith uses images of children from history, bringing them into the light of contemporary life to be seen and appraised anew in work that is both challenging and tender.
Vase made from 100% recycled plastics
‘Shin uses 3D printing to create a work that pirouettes at the virtual interface, becoming a vase while also flickering into something else, unknown.’
Soorin Shin
This delightfully original art by Soorin Shin looks to the future: her method taps into contemporary environmental and technological circumstances. To create her sculptures, she uses recycled plastics as well as PLA (polyactic acid), which is biodegradable – unlike other materials usually used for 3D printing. Working with this material’s incredible textures, Shin invents exuberant sculptures that probe human touch. These polymorphous works sometimes have a practical use: a vase, a plant stand. They seem to shimmer and dance – they have fun flowing between forms!
Made from plant-based, non-toxic biodegradable PLA