When I started thinking about writing a blog about Eco-Art and living green, I had to ask the question what do I really have to say? If asked, I’m sure friends would tell you that I am a green nut or a eco-artist; I’ve even been called a tree hugger like that’s a bad thing. In retrospect I was doing Green or Eco -Art since before anyone knew what those buzz words were. I remember using found or recycled items in my work back 20-plus years ago. No one called it recycling then…it was junk art. I’d always had a passion for art and music, even when life happened and I took a break for some years. What really brought me back to art -- Eco-Art especially -- was reading a quote from Henry David Thoreau: “Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” This quote struck a chord with me, and I decided to make it one of my life’s goals to be good for something and make a difference to the world somehow. We teach our kids to recycle and live a sustainable Eco-Friendly life; they hear it at school and TV, but I find people still don’t know how to make those first steps of going green. As a coordinator for Zola goods I am teaching people about the small things and changes they can make and offer products that are earth friendly. With the art I create, I only use found, recycled and reclaimed materials. With each piece you even know how much waste is being kept out of a landfill by weight. As for style I’ve always enjoyed folk art but choose to fuse today’s version of it into my own style I call Eco-Americana. Years ago, it was using what you had to make your art, where now it’s a choice you make for the greater good.
Do something good and make your mother happy,
Erik
