What becomes of our creations

I am a big fan of the now late Christo and Jeanne-Claude. I have been following their work for the last 15+ years and managed to make it to The Floating Piers, The London Mastaba, and now L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, which was installed posthumously.

They are an amazing example for sustainability in art and I have been so inspired by their approach.

Bringing

People Together

The very process of getting permission and winning over communities was part of the art as much as the finished project. In the case of L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, it was 60 years from conception to realization. Christo and Jeanne Claude also created jobs for manufacturing, installation, and monitors on site to direct visitors and answer questions.

While we are becoming a global society, unfortunately there is polarization from political and social ideals. If we are to really move forward and make impactful change to take better care of this world, we need to care about and listen to the voice of all people and their ideas, even if we disagree. Art can be a way to open these lines of communication.

Independently

Funded

Christo would create drawings, and collage paintings which were a concept for the final project, yet to be realized. The sale of these pieces of art funded the eventual installation. Ensuring the art belonged to no individual or company was a value they held dear.

This type of independence is hard but it meant they did not compromise on their vision. Sustainability is a central value to what I create. It is a process, but as I grow and look at partnerships for manufacturing and licensing, I will not compromise but only improve my environmental impact through these partnerships.

The Work

Was Fleeting

The very temporary nature could make it difficult to experience a Christo and Jeanne Claude, but like life, the fleeting nature of it, is part of what makes it so beautiful. All their designs went up in such a way that the environment, natural or man made, could be returned to the undisturbed previous state. The only compromise was the removal of tons of litter when they created Surrounded Islands.

Too often, industries of mining and manufacturing operate without regard to their environment. I try to support businesses who prioritize leaving the environment with minimal impact and return the landscape it to its former state.

A Plan for the Materials

While planning, Christo and Jeanne Claude considered the production and final destination of their material. When the project does comes to an end, the materials are recycled. From L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, the aluminum will be stripped off and turned into cans, and the poly fabric will be turned to sneakers.

Whether it is a piece of fine art or a utilitarian item created by a craftsperson, I hope we all consider what becomes of these items when they are used up.

For myself, I ask what becomes of what I create? Can my packaging be reused or composted? Do my materials break down without environmental harm? Do I create work which people hold onto or can the art itself be broken down one day and turned to something else?