Happily Ever After
24 x 24
Acrylic with mixed media
Leslie Avon Miller
As an extension of my hand, tied by an invisible wire to my thoughts, based on a library in my head with volumes of knowledge, the paint and I work together.
That’s how I feel about the water media I use. Splatter, and I know just how that will work. Slather with my gloved hand, lift and move paint around with papers of all kinds. It delights me every time. Acrylic media and I have a long standing relationship.
But now I am getting a “divorce”. Or at least a legal separation.
The media I know so well has become a sort of toxin, a source of Organic Volatile Compounds (VOCs) in the studio. They seep into my system and make me sick by causing indoor air pollution in the studio, despite two hepa filters running all the time. I know I will get a filter with carbon which will eliminate and absorb even more VOCs in the studio.
Exposure to VOCs can lead to short-term health effects including headaches, nausea, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and skin irritation, while long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases and even cancer. Symptoms like constant headaches, nausea, muscle aches, sinus infections, skin rashes, and stuffy noses can result from prolonged use of toxic materials or improper application.
Healing yourself is connected
with healing others.
~Yoko Ono
Acrylic. I must give it up. But what will fill the void? I have several paintings that have the initial layer of acrylic but are not finished. I tried water color on top of acrylic today. I brought out my water color crayons and markers.
Once Upon A Time
12 x 12
Acrylic, water color and mixed media
Leslie Avon Miller
I think of my studio as a vegetable garden,
where things follow their natural course.
They grow, they ripen. You have to graft.
You have to water.
~Joan Miro
I don’t have any oils. For years I thought oils were the source of a lot of studio air pollution. However, artist Shayla Perreault Newcomb has found that she can use oils and then cooking oil, not turpentine, to clean her brushes. That’s working for her.
I have just started to research the cure for indoor pollution in my studio. I highly recommend this post at Shayla’s blog as a good place to start.
You can find many articles and blog posts about this topic by goggling Art Studio Air Quality. And here is a link to an interesting article by a certified sustainable building advisor and writer. She has interviewed a friend who grew up in a home with an art studio only separated by a sliding glass door from the family’s living space, and tells about the health challenges this caused for the artist and family members. The article has tips on Green Art.
I am looking at having a professional quality hood installed as part of my painting station, much like in a restaurant, but the airflow should go down, then out. I wish I had thought of that when we were building. And I am going to keep researching.
More experimentation. Here I come. How is the air quality in your studio? Do you feel your art practice is green and healthy?
Leslie, this is quite alarming! How sad that you feel you have to give up the medium you know so well and love to work with. But finding new means is going to be a great adventure too. Although I don't paint, I've been using vegetable oil to clean my linos, inking plates and rollers after this latest batch of printmaking with oil based inks and it has been very successful, so I guess it would be the same with oil paints.
ReplyDeleteAir quality for me isn't a problem as my studio is missing a back wall!
Hi Suzie: It sounds as if you have found ways to work that feel right for you. I also react to pollen so I have always kept the windows closed.
DeleteI did read about one artist who was eventually able to return to acrylics after she re-established her health, and then used good ventilation. So I do have hope.
I have always wanted to try print making.
I have developed difficulties with numerous art materials - and to make things worse, our young daughter has severe contact allergies resulting in hospitalisation in severe instances.... all of this has led me to rethink what I do and use in all aspects of life (not just the studio) .... if you haven't come across the book before - you might enjoy 'green guide for artists' by karen michel.... I also enjoy reading trace willans blog - her natural art materials are so inspiring! > http://soewnearth.blogspot.com.au/
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation Ronnie. I am sorry is struggling. I think some of us are the canaries in the coal mine so to speak. And, yes in all aspects of life. I have spent years modifying my home environment and my diet. But as I have continued to react it was time to consider the art studio.
DeleteI saw something on TV last night about using egg tempera. I am not a painter myself so have never tried it, but it might be worth investigating http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempera It struck me as being a very measured, slowed down pace of working which might be interesting in it's own right.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea Hannah. Every time I wash egg off of a dish I think about using the egg tempera, because the egg is difficult to remove. Thanks.
DeleteHi Leslie and Hannah,
DeleteI have been painting with eggtempera ( using mainly the eggyolk) for many years before I turned to mixed media and acrylics. I always liked that medium very much and the surface of the painting has a very nice velvety finish but I am not sure if you can use it in combination with other materials ( as in collage/ mixed media)
At least you get to keep your husband!! You know just today I noticed the smell as I came and went from the basement room I use as a studio. I had a bad reaction several years ago when we redid our kitchen due to the off gassing from the new cabinets. As a result I bought a big standing air filter. I forget exactly what it filters out but it's very powerful and saved me from having to tear out my new kitchen. I use it now and then throughout the house but I need to pay more attention as I've had some health issues in the past.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to read some of the articles you mention. I know it may feel trite but sometimes these little "opportunities" lead us to places of great value where we would never have gone otherwise. I'm thinking new media that you totally fall in love with. Happy exploring. I saw a recipe for pastels using natural garden materials a while back. It called to me but I haven't tried it. I will look it up for you if you're interested.
Hi Carole; I do think we all need to be aware that even if one day of exposure to our materials doesn't seem to have an effect, the accumulation could. Especially if your studio is in your home. Garden pastels - now that sounds interesting!
DeleteHi Leslie. Suzie mentioned that her studio is missing a back wall, so wondering if you can work outside on good days while you explore these other exciting options? And maybe you can switch to using more ink, chalk and charcoal with watercolour washes and dabs while you're indoors? Will be interested to see where this leads you.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie: I am thinking of brief periods of work outdoors with a mask on, and then when the work is dry (and less off gassing is occurring) going back in to the studio to continue work with materials that don't off gas so many Volatile Organic Compounds. But because I have a problem with pollen, I can't be out much at all. And yes, although I had a good solid 2 days of grief over the "loss" of acrylics, I am also interested in seeing where this goes.
Deletethe book Ronnie recommended has lots of useful stuff. i have to say my rule has been "if it smells bad, it IS bad" and so i use only leaves/bark/flowers/earth that smell good
ReplyDeletealong with simple mordants [such as lumps of metal, stones or fermented fruit vinegars]
i use binders such as milk, clay and eggs and even spit when i paint as well as thickeners that are devised for food [which i hope makes them safe]
and sometimes a bit of beeswax [from a local apiarist] and resins i gather from under favourite trees
it works for me.
it's worth seeking out safer ways of working, we only have one life [at a time] and it is precious
India, I think of you often and have saved cherry bark and other items to try and work with on paper. But the thing about your technique is the smoke from the fires, which is also pretty hard on me. Maybe my exploration will be paper, natural materials and an electric burner! You are an inspiration. One life at a time - love that! Life is precious and so are you.
Deletethank you me dear, agreed, open fires can be a challenge but at home i cook on a closed wooden stove, sometimes on gas and when outside in the dye studio i bless the long-gone builder of the chimney who knew exactly how to construct one that draws perfectly...i travel with a small electric cookpot [i have two, one for Australian voltage and one for North America] , both from thrift stores [that said, the latter one was a kind gift from a lovely student]
Deletethe important thing to remember about plants is to identify the genus, hence establish possible toxicity and if you are sensitive to use only those which are benign.
Thanks India. I will look into the genus of plant thing. I expect any old onion will do though...I have my eye on the Maple leaves that we have in abundance out here.
DeleteThanks for the mention Ronnie. I use only natural pigments and mediums. There is a wbole world of exciting possibilities out there if you choose to explore them. Making your own oil paint from organic walnut oil and indigo pigment is a joy and these days you can get citrus based solvents or use pure gum turpentine if that is ok for you. And for all that I also have a studio that is not fully enclosed.
ReplyDeleteHi Trace, I will pop over and read about your natural approach. I do like paper that is stained with coffee and teas. I also like the color of onions....and walnut ink too. In the house most all of the cleaning is done with citrus based cleaners and vinegar. Exciting ideas here!
DeleteI'm not a painter, but have plenty of friends who are. One had always worked with watercolors, but had to give them up for respiratory reasons. Rather than change her style of painting, she switched to acrylics which she heavily water down so that the end result still looked like watercolors.
ReplyDeleteOf course, as I write this, the side bar beside the comment box is Franz Kafka's Don't Water It Down quote so many this isn't the best suggestion. Sorry!
HI Jennifer; how interesting that water colors were toxic but not acrylics! I did think I was getting VOCs from the watercolor yesterday...and I think it is OK to water down the materials - not the creativity!!!
DeleteThis post has definitely piqued my interest. I use acrylic oils and have been ill the past year. I use non-toxic paints though so figured they were safe.
ReplyDeleteNon toxic paints can emit VOCs. I have "heard" that water oils are particularly hard on one's health...Perhaps you will do more research too! Good luck. I would love to hear how you proceed and how that works for you.
DeleteOoohps that should have read acrylic paints not oils. Your post definitely opened my eyes and after doing some further research I realized that even though the paints I buy are non toxic they can still emit ammonia and formaldehyde. I'm going to invest in a charcoal air purifier to see if it makes a difference. I am also a nightmare for using my hands to paint (without gloves) and I've heard that paint getting under the nails is especially bad. Gloves normally drive me nuts but I guess I should look into some that fit properly. Good luck in exploring new creative ways of working. Wishing you the best of health.
DeleteThis is good actually......change is good......it seems for me as though almost everthing I've worked with has health risks involved......I'm wih India on the 'smells bad' thing.....and while I was making prints.....I turned to vegetable oil and dish soap to clean my plates....but the ink itself is toxic, so I don't use that anymore.....actually gave it up...and then began to use water soluable oil paints as an ink.......and then and then.....departing from all that....I'm now working with metal.....copper mainly...and enameling.....and that sets up a whole other toxic mess.....ventilation is key......and there is no 'smell' to alert the artist to the toxins......metal vapors and glass dust......even working with pastels was dangerous......especially when using a 'fixitive'.......it's always something.....but change is good......even if you get to keep your husband!
ReplyDeleteI am keeping my husband! But I guess all art supplies can have an effect on one's health. Interesting to listen to your changes....I am trying to be open to the possibilities here.
DeleteIt makes sense. When I was going through intake at the MS Clinic after being diagnosed, the neuro was asking me a ton of questions, one of which was what did I do for a living. I told her I was an artist and immediately she peppered me with questions about paint. (Which is sort of sad-everyone when you say you're an artist, thinks you are a painter. I am not.) She thought exposure to paint might be an easy explanation for my health issues, which did not present in the usual MS pattern which gets most people diagnosed. It ended up I had to endure another round of testing, everything but the spinal tap to confirm it was indeed MS.
ReplyDeleteI can see from your post how dangerous something seemingly benign as acryllic paint can be! I hope that while you are taking a break from your medium of choice, you discover something equally engaging to inspire you. Be well!
Hi Lelainia: I can see where a neurologist would pique at the report that you are an artist. I was reading last night about the pollution that occurs at college campus art studios...its really an industrial setting! I think as artists we will have to learn better practices. What do you use for adhesive for your collage?
DeleteLeslie, I can't imagine how you must be feeling but after reading the positive comments I feel stirrings of anticipation for exciting new directions. Think about Zheng Chongbin's ink paintings.... or India's beautiful natural dyes. You will find a way!
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn: Yes, I WILL find away. I could arrange moss and rocks and wood from the forest and take photos. I could make baskets from natural materials again. I could make artist books. I could use cloth. I could...well the list is long, isn't it? Thanks Robyn for your support! (But I still miss the acrylics just now.)
Deleteoh and another thing
Delete[great conversations happening here bTW, very useful stuff!]
...ink from bark, slow soaked over time, works beautifully for drawing
Hi Leslie! I am truly shocked that acrylics can be toxic! I do hope you can find a way our of this...life changes like this are usually for the better (although not always obvious at first). I work with encaustic, which has its own sets of risks. But thanks for reminding me that I need to be "uber" careful with all the media that I use with encaustic!
ReplyDeleteHI Lisa: I think encaustic artists are aware they need to be careful. I know I can't be around even a burning candle, so wax (except cold wax) is out for me.
DeleteYes, non-toxic unfortunately really should just be "less toxic". Sorry to hear that you have to take a break from acrylics. I love encaustics but find that I have to do it in small doses as the fumes can be bad for my throat. If you try printmaking, avoid the oil based inks and try the inks from Akua (Akua-Kolor are like liquid watercolors and Akua-Intaglio are thicker). They are soy-based and clean up with soap and water. The trick is that they never dry unless they come in contact with paper, so they don't dry on the plate and they don't skin over. Just make sure you use thin layers (or dab a really thick monotype with newsprint before or after printing). For cleanup, I love the non-toxic spray cleaner "Method" - it seems to get thru the grime on most anything (the Lavender fragrant is really nice).
ReplyDeleteYes, "less toxic" and to some people. Some people are the canary in the coal mine. Thanks for the tips on print making and clean up too.
DeleteIt's a worry Leslie. These days we are exposed to so many new chemicals and toxic products that we don't even know about. Good luck with finding a medium that suits you. Trace Willans of http://www.soewnearth.com/ makes her own 'natural' dyes and pigments. You might find her website interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo: I get everything scent free, dye free that I can and I use vinegar and citrus and lavender for cleaning. I think we are exposed to a lot we don't even know about. I will go check out Trace's site thanks!
DeleteYou have done so many wonderful things with acrylics, but your artistic mind will find a way to express itself, come what may.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol. As artists we can't stop being artists. I miss the water flow qualities of acrylic, but I know I will find my way. Thanks.
DeleteSo sorry to hear Leslie, I HATE giving things up unless I choose. Have you thought of wheat paste as an adhesive, you can find pre mixed which you don't have to cook. just use straight from the jar. All the best in this trying time.
ReplyDeleteYes, Liz I have been pouting and grieving. I wish I didn't have to give them up. Secretly I hope to "heal" and be able to tolerate them again, even in small amounts.
Deleteyou're such a braveheart
ReplyDeleteand a beautiful soul.
thanks for the stir,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer. Gee, thanks so much. I will hang onto the idea of being brave.
DeleteYour painting is quite beautiful.
ReplyDeletepulmonary disease is nothing to sneeze at. my husband worked in chemicals for years as a furniture finisher...and has some problems today as a result. And he did use industrial masks...so do be very very careful.
I am only using watercolors and I do paint briefly (drawings in ink)so I wonder if there's much I need worry about? I do paint outside most times in spring and summer and fall.
Hi Lynn: I agree, breathing is very good for ones health! Although I do tend to sneeze, I know what you mean. I do take this seriously. I have also given up gluten, dairy and corn in my diet all at the same time...
DeleteI think brief exposure to water color should be ok. But to really know you have to do some research about the VOCs and any toxic pigments. I have not researched water colors and toxicity yet, or VOCs in them.
HI L - wow!! that is all pretty wild - I did not know just how bad the paints could be. We have a friend who can't use the oil based paints because of the turpentine fumes. I do hope you find a way to look after your health and yet continue to create your beautiful layered works. Hope the hoods and filters etc work; and all strength to more researching. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteOh my! This discovery must be quite a challenge right now. I surely wish you the all best in finding your new direction with materials. That beautiful creativity inside you will inform you in a way that's healthy for you!
ReplyDeleteI face a similar problem spaying my lace leaf maple pots. I currently use a cardboard box and a sunny day outside (and mask, gloves, shower cap, long sleeves), but in this climate, my productivity is severely limited. We're working on a spray booth design, and haven't found a perfect solution, yet, but we'll share with you what we come up with. As in your situation, we are retrofitting, and regretting earlier decisions we made in studio design.
ReplyDeleteYour reply to Robin was clear indeed...you will find other ways to create and yes, you still will miss the bond you have with acrylics. The art making will continue and that is the good news!!
ReplyDeleteIts not just in art supplies.
ReplyDeleteThe whole world is so blind to all the chemical madness we are accepting. The more I see the waters up and down the Eastern Seaboard, hear stories about their changes, the more I fear for the fish, for us all.
Sometimes a light bout of water fasting can help the body clear a lot of old gunked-in the walls toxins so the newly imbibed toxins, so to speak, can then clear out faster. I wish you joy in your new search.
thank you for not making me use that comment proof of non robot status. i love you!
ReplyDeleteLiz's wheat paste might be the adhesive solution. Another friend of mine established his studio in his new-to-him old house only to find that radon was a major issue. His solution was a mega filter system that runs 24-7 and eliminates all traces of radon. He paints in oil and watercolor and yet there's no trace of odor of any kind in his studio.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that your divorce is so widespread and yet I know that growth will occur and that change can be very good.
I have missed my visits here .. making a change is a challenge but can be for the best as well....
ReplyDeletewow, lots of comments on this one. don't the mediums you need to use with oils also smell? Linseed oil etc. having done no research i admit, it is hard to imagine oils would be less toxic.
ReplyDeletethe only ventilation i have is windows.
water colors seem such a good option if you like them. myself, i am not very good with them.
be interesting to see what you come up with. Maybe you can find a mediator.
Does this include water-soluble oils?
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your impending separation from your beloved acrylics.. but I know you will experiment and find a new love soon.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a horrid problem since so many mediums are toxic.
ReplyDeleteWhen Robert had a silk screen studio, the EPA came over to ask where he disposed of his waste (a site some 30 miles away that he always went to.)
However, had he NOT been a good citizen, there was no follow-up or inspection.....
Robert trained as a chemist and is pretty savvy about what will be harmful and what less so.
You could always email him via me or rfschmid@hotmail.com
Buster sends his love
from hot swampy NYC
Happy weekend.
I am surprised at the suggestion that there would be VOCs in watercolour or acrylics. Of course there may be other ingredients that lead to allergic or other problems, especially if you are especially sensitive. I am allergic to some pollens, but have never had any other problems so far as I am aware. When printing I use oil based inks, but clean up with vegetable cooking oil and citrus based cleaners. My use of other solvents like meths or white spirit is tiny. I am likely to get more exposure to off-gassing by products from visiting IKEA I suspect than to my art materials.
ReplyDeletefrom a fellow canary, i say onward, leslie...
ReplyDeletelove!
Double drat!
ReplyDeleteBut knowing you,,,there is a way and you will find it!
I have had to temporarily (I hope) give up my oils due to poor ventilation.
Never heard of problems with acrylic,,,live and learn!
I have to be honest and say the concept never occurred to me. To not be bale to touch the paint would be hard.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it's a kind of over use sensitivity...
This door will close to open into huge light filled french double doors!
All the best with this new path. I'm sure with your creativity and love of art, something beautiful will come of it. Let me know if you ever have any questions and I'll get back to you as quick as I can. Hugs!
DeleteThis is a great and important post to make artists aware of their studios and air quality! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery alarming Leslie - I do hope your health improves - like others I think I have a healthy lifestyle, food, exercise etc but it is so easy to forget the studio - I was very award of this health hazard on my latest project of scraping old oil paint from a 50 year old painting - it really affected me and I couldn't stop sneezing even though I wore a mask (for some of the time anyway) - years of dust and nicotine (parents who smoked) were impregnated! imagine what art restorers must breath in!
ReplyDeletejust came across these comments and your concerns. cleaning with orange oil ia a wonderful thing. i read aerosol d-limonene "can" (?) interact with air to form formaldehyde. i don't yet know if that includes spray bottles or only commercial aerosol type micronization.
ReplyDelete