Rugaura Sustainability Plan
Blackface lambs
Source my supply chain as sustainably as possible
My main material is wool. I upcycled and repurpose yarn from commercial carpet manufacture, supplied through a couple of dealers in Yorkshire. I have, just recently, ordered my first batch of 100% British Wool dyed to my own colours from Atlantic Yarns http://www.atlanticyarns.co.uk/content/planet.html who are ethical, eco responsible manufacturers and have jumped through hoops to satisfy current best practice sustainability standards.
Other rug making materials I use come through the main UK supplier https://millstek.com/ who imports from globally centralised manufacturers. I use local suppliers for as much as possible, such as backing fabric, printing, framing, art materials and constantly monitor the marketplace to find decentralised ways to obtain materials.
I am committed to constantly monitor and encourage my suppliers to provide products and services as sustainably as possible and prioritise those who actively work to reduce their carbon footprint.
I am presently working with GSABioshphere in a ‘Wool’ group of interested people, from farmers to Scottish Government, to look at innovative ways forward to enable local wool to stay local. We are liaising with many professionals in their field, for example https://www.carruthers-associates.com/ with many years experience of global industry wide experience.
I actively encourage education on the superior qualities of wool as one of the highest quality most sustainable materials with excellent properties not yet replicated by mankind. See more here
Reduce Energy Consumption
I work from a wasps_ Artists and Makers Studios building of 14 studio spaces which use shared facilities. The building is used to capacity with several other artists and makers concerned about our environmental impact who work to encourage minimal use of energy and promoting environmental issues. I am keen to focus joint exhibitions around positive messages about benefits of connection with nature and how we can all work together to create a better future.
I recycle packaging, compost what I can if not reusable, and buy biodegradable packaging if I must.
I have minimal waste in producing wool pile textiles and keep all waste wool to stuff cushions.
I offer my customers the option to resell their rugs to me for refurbishment and resale as pre loved items.
Spread the word about nature, human nature and the benefits of connection
As an artist and a person my work looks at how to create better conditions for connections between nature, art and humanity to thrive. My hope is to connect people to true nature, including their own.
I promote the work of local agencies who’s valuable work is helping to build us a better future https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/ https://gallowayglens.org/ https://www.gallowaynationalpark.org/
I support local Arts agencies, being asked to join community run ‘The Harbour Cottage Gallery’ in Kirkcudbright on their ‘hanging committee’, gaining the right to officially become a ‘Walnut’ :) I have been asked to join ‘The Spring Fling’ development group to help steer forward in ever better ways.
I have worked in mental health/mental illness for many years, I was brought up working the land, tending to animals who put food on our table. I played among wildlife in wild places. This is my heritage. I care deeply about nature, people and the heritage I leave for future generations. Blimey! I’m feeling emotional writing this!