Article #29 Anthropogenic Fall Colors

When the holiday season rolls around, we naturally think of unique and creative ways to help others. Every act of kindness does matter.  Some people will give a turkey to a needy family. Others will donate generously to youth foundations. It may not matter to these individuals whether their donation goes to one or impacts many children, just so that wishes can come true. 

The important thing is that we ask ourselves the question, “Can I give anonymously?”  In my early studies, I was given this question to ponder. Can you give, then walk away without turning around, waiting for a reaction? Not, a hug or thank you is required because the heart does not beg for a response. I would teach myself to give and then immediately, forget that I gave. In later years, forgetting became easier and easier.

Global Impact

As artists, we naturally seek ways to support the earth. An example of this is that my frames are handmade and acquired from sustainable poplar farms. Jobs are created for artisans and the impact on the earth is not as detrimental as clearcutting trees to create new usable products. By now, you must be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with fall colors?”

During our journeys, for my art career, we were thrilled to come across and acknowledge similar anthropogenic individuals in search of ways to reduce the detrimental impact that we humans leave on the earth. Recently, in the news, a bright spot appeared. Filled with hope and dedication, a few people started out on a journey to locations like Ohio and Mississippi, home to coal mines.  Mining came to a halt, so the mines lay dormant.  The structures seemed to be unfixable detriments to aquatic life because rainwater seeped into these locations and washed heavy metals into nearby rivers and streams.

Selfless Giving

The handful of individuals had an idea that turned into a small group on a mission. Enter the heroes comprised of engineers, students, and environmentalists.   Armed with high boots and shovels, they physically devised a way to get down into these waterways to harvest the contaminants. They discovered that when processed, metal oxides turn yellow, orange, and red colors. Hence, our natural fall pigments for paint. They successfully devised a system where they collected contaminated materials in large tanks. The deposits are extracted and transformed into safe artist paints.  Gamblin, one of the largest art paint manufacturers, joined the team, and produced tube oil colors named Rust Red, Brown Ochre, and Iron Violet.

The entire process is exciting for us artist types, that love to study interactions and paint mediums. In order to create art, it is my feeling that all artists, to some degree, need to know what will happen when materials are overlayed or mixed on a surface. True confession time. You will not find me reading a romance novel, but hand me a text on chemical interactions and you will find the midnight candle burning.

In Conclusion

I have shamefully abbreviated this enlightening story of how a small group of individuals set out to do something without knowing the outcome. They opened a doorway to boundless, creative help and support for their fellow man and our wild citizens. A gift that keeps on giving.

My painting, Encrypted Journey, included here was painted with the reclaimed oil colors. Highlighted in this article.