Environmental Art and its importance on Earth Day
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22 Apr 2023
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An Introduction to Earth Day and its meaning
Earth Day is a global celebration of the environment and the natural world that is held annually on April 22nd. It was first observed in 1970 and is now recognized by over 193 countries around the world. On Earth Day, individuals and organizations come together to recognize and take action for environmental protection and sustainability and look at environmental conditions and the environmental movement. Activities can range from hosting educational events to organizing community clean-up projects, planting trees, painting using natural resources, and photography both in an abstract way to uncover the inner artist within us. On Earth Day people of all ages come together to show their support for a healthy thriving planet including children. This is why it is important to engage kids at a young age as it is intended to educate all ages about environmental concerns and one great way of doing this is by using creativity and bringing this into their everyday life.
Celebrating Earth is one way to show appreciation for the natural environment, promote sustainability, and take action for the future of our planet. Joining in on the festivities and introducing kids to release their inner artists by taking up wildlife photography or part in environmental initiatives throughout the year’s work together to keep Earth Day alive year-round! Happy Earth Day!
Environmental art is an important piece of many Earth Day celebrations. Art has the power to bring appreciation and create dialogues around vital environmental topics like climate change, pollution, sustainability, and conservation. It can also help us focus on nature’s beauty and the positive things we can do to protect it.
This year, take a moment to appreciate the powerful and creative ways that environmental artwork is used to celebrate Earth Day. Many forms can be woven into an Earth Day celebration; from sculptures, murals, and installations crafted from natural materials like plastic waste, recycled paper, and organic matter – to performance pieces focused on clean-up efforts or plantings.
Environmental art is a great way to introduce youngsters to the importance of taking care of our planet. Constructing artwork including sculpture from natural art materials helps them discover how nature can be both powerful and fragile while teaching them how they can make a difference through their own actions.
Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of our environment including planet earth itself and create meaningful conversations with our communities. With thoughtful and creative environmental art, we can bring meaningful attention to the problems that threaten our planet, as well as celebrate its beauty and potential for a brighter future.
"Art and design have the power to inspire, captivate, and influence society, and with that power comes a responsibility to create sustainably. As a company, it's our duty to reduce our environmental impact and prioritize ethical practices to ensure that the beauty we create today can be enjoyed for generations to come." Liam Hopkins- Lazerian
A Brief History of Environmental Art
The Origins and Evolution of Environmental Art
Environmental art, also known as Land art or Earth art, emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a reaction to the commercialization of art and the growing concern about environmental issues. The movement was initially inspired by the work of minimalists and conceptual artists who sought to explore the relationship between art and the environment.
The early environmental artists sought to create works that were integrated into the natural landscape and that could not be bought, sold or transported. They used natural materials such as rocks, soil, and plants to create sculptures and installations that were often large in scale and designed to interact with the natural environment.
One of the most famous environmental artists is Robert Smithson, who created the iconic Spiral Jetty in 1970, a 1,500-foot-long spiral made of basalt rocks and earth on the shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Another influential artist was Richard Long, who created minimalist sculptures using natural materials found in the landscape, such as rocks and branches.
As the movement evolved, artists began to incorporate more complex ideas and techniques into their work. They explored themes such as ecology, sustainability, and the impact of human activity on the environment. Some artists also began to use technology and digital media to create works that explored the relationship between nature and technology.
Today, environmental art continues to evolve, with creators using a wide range of techniques and materials to create works that explore the intersection of art and the environment. The movement has become more diverse and inclusive, with creatives from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines contributing to the field. Environmental art has also become more integrated into mainstream culture, with many museums and galleries exhibiting works that explore environmental themes.

The Impact of Environmental Art on Society and why this is important
Environmental art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, inspiring action, and promoting conversation around environmental issues. By creating works that are integrated into the natural environment, environmental artists can draw attention to the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and highlight the impact that human activity has on the environment.
One of the ways in which environmental art can raise awareness is by drawing attention to specific environmental issues. For example, an artist may create an installation using plastic waste to highlight the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. By creating a visually striking and thought-provoking work of art, the artist can encourage viewers to reflect on their own impact on the environment and to take action to reduce their plastic use.
Environmental art can also inspire action by building a sense of urgency and a call to action. For example, an artist may create a sculpture that depicts the effects of climate change, such as melting ice caps or rising sea levels. By constructing a powerful visual image, the artist can inspire viewers to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and support initiatives that address climate change.
Finally, environmental creativity can promote conversation around environmental issues by composing a shared experience for viewers. By experiencing a work of environmental art together, viewers can discuss their thoughts and feelings about the environment and engage in a dialogue about how to address environmental challenges.
In summary, environmental art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, inspiring action, and promoting conversation around environmental issues. By executing works that are visually striking and thought-provoking, environmental designers can draw attention to specific environmental challenges, inspire viewers to take action, and create a shared experience that encourages dialogue and collaboration.


Types of Environmental Art (including land art)
Environmental art encompasses a wide range of mediums and styles, including land art, site-specific installation, and eco-art. Each of these approaches has its own unique characteristics and techniques, but they all share a common goal of exploring the relationship between humans and the natural climate.
Land art, also known as Earth art, is a movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to create large-scale, outdoor sculptures using natural materials found in the landscape, such as rocks, soil, and plants. Land artisans aimed to create works that were integrated into the natural ecosystem and that could not be bought, sold or transported.
Site-specific installation is a form of environmental artwork that involves creating works that are designed for a specific location or surroundings. Creatives who work in this medium often use materials that are native to the area, or they may use recycled or repurposed materials to create their works. Site-specific installation often involves collaboration with local communities or environmental organizations to ensure that the work is appropriate for the location and is respectful of the local environment and culture.
Eco-art is a more recent form of environmental art that has emerged in response to growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. Eco-artists use a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, performance, and video, to explore environmental themes and raise awareness about environmental issues. Eco-artists often work in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and other experts to create works that are scientifically accurate and that address specific environmental challenges.
In addition to these mediums and styles, environmental art can also include works that use technology, digital media, and other forms of contemporary art. For example, some environmental creators use data visualization tools to create interactive installations that explore complex environmental issues, such as climate change or deforestation.
Overall, the diverse range of mediums and styles used in environmental art reflects the complexity and diversity of environmental challenges that we face today. By using a wide range of techniques and materials, environmental creatives can create works that are both visually striking and thought-provoking and that encourage us to think more deeply about our relationship with the natural world.
Environmental Art in Practice at Lazerian
Lazerian as a practice incorporates a lot of the below elements when we produce artwork
- Research environmental issues: Before creating your art, research environmental issues that interest you. This will help you to create works that are meaningful and impactful.
- Choose sustainable materials: When selecting materials for your art, choose sustainable and environmentally-friendly options. For example, you could use recycled materials or natural materials that can be found locally.
- Consider the location: If you are building site-specific environmental art, consider the location and the local environment. Choose materials and techniques that are appropriate for the site and that do not harm the natural environment.
- Collaborate with experts: Consider collaborating with environmental experts, such as scientists, engineers, or environmental organizations, to ensure that your art is scientifically accurate and addresses specific environmental challenges.
- Promote sustainability: Use your art to promote sustainability and encourage viewers to take action to protect the environment. For example, you could incorporate messages or calls to action into your art, or create works that raise awareness about specific environmental issues.


Incorporating sustainable materials and practices into your environmental art can help to reduce your environmental impact and promote sustainability. Here are some of the processes that Lazerian use for incorporating sustainable materials into our art:
- Recycled materials: We use recycled materials, such as paper, cardboard, or plastic, to create our art. We also repurpose materials that would otherwise be discarded, such as old furniture or scrap metal.
- Natural materials: We use natural materials that can be found locally, such as rocks, soil, or plants. This can help to reduce transportation emissions and support local ecosystems.
- Non-toxic materials: We use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly materials, such as water-based paints, natural dyes, or biodegradable materials. This can help to reduce harmful chemicals and waste.
- Renewable materials: Lazerian uses renewable materials, such as sustainably harvested wood. This can help to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and support sustainable industries.