207. The Intersection of Art, Environmental Stewardship and Education with Artist Heidi Lowell

The Good Dirt: Sustainability Explained

Heidi is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Austin, Texas. She works in multiple media including clay and watercolor, striking a balance between classical and intuitive painting. For the past 10 years, she has sought to reduce the waste from art supplies in her own work by creating dyes that use the Earth’s soil, insects, and plants. She discusses her journey of learning about natural pigments, her artistic process, and the influences of science and nature on her work. We explore the intersection of art, environmental stewardship and education, especially as it comes to Heidi's commitment to sustainability and her efforts to inspire others to connect with the natural world. Learn to celebrate the peaceful and messy aspects of the natural world with Heidi, so you can also celebrate those same aspects in yourself.

Topics Discussed

· Oil and Acrylic Paints

· Being a Multidisciplinary Artist

· Paint in the Past

· The Ingredients in Paint

· Heidi's Journey to Natural Paints

· The Art of Making Natural Paints

· Foraging and Creating Paints

· Challenges and Discoveries in Paint Making

· Heidi's Artistic Background and Inspirations

· Environmental Advocacy Through Art

· Community Reactions and HOA Challenges

· Creative Projects and Future Plans

· Collecting and Painting with Ashes and Biochar

· Exploring Soil Colors

· Art Supplies and Environmental Impact

· Composting Adventures

· Touch Grass Movement

· Soil Science

· Where Science and Art Intersect

Episode Resources:

· Earth Native Wilderness School

· The Art of Soil

· Listen to The Good Dirt “138. The Urgent Need for Restorative Gardening with Mary Reynolds”

· Terry Tempest Williams

· Listen to The Good Dirt “199. Coming to our Senses with Author and Retreat Leader Leah Rampy”

Connect with Heidi Lowell:

· Website: https://heidilowell.art

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidilowellart/

· Links: https://linktr.ee/heidilowellart

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Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production.

🌿 The Good Dirt Producers:

· Wendy Gray