Four R's

It’s hard to imagine an effective way to personally impact the vast challenges facing our planet. I’ve started by controlling what is in my immediate sphere of influence—my own behavior. As a textile artist, I’m acutely aware of my materials: what they are made of; how they are manufactured; what demands they make on our water, air quality, and use of energy; and their ultimate disposal problems. I decided to start with the four R’s: Reclaim, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. I’ve altered many source materials in my studio and researched reduced water and lower energy intensive processes in creating my work. In constructing Four R’s, I layered, laminated, and pieced grocery and retail plastic bags together. Within this personal crazy quilt of affirmative steps, I can impact a path toward greater sustainability.