Ask a question...Answer a question...
Share the wealth of your experience...

December 08, 2008

professional artist gone MCS

QUESTION:

Hi! I am (or at least was) a professional artist who has recently gotten MCS. I am selling off all of my oil paints, and I've dropped out of my graduate program in art. My question is, is it still ok to use:
-acrylics (I use ones by Utrecht)?
-gouche
-water colors
-block printing ink
-any kind of glue????

any advice on how to continue to be an artist with this condition would be so helpful- art has always been my primary means of expression, and I've become extremely depressed with out being able to paint for fear of toxic exposure.

Blessings,
Rachel

POSTED BY RACHEL :: CALIFORNIA USA :: 2:18 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I'm not a professional artist, but I find it acceptable to use water-based pens and markets and Prismacolor colored pencils.

Readers, your recommendations?

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 16 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

August 15, 2008

Safe Dry Erase Markers for School

QUESTION:

My daughter is highly chemical sensitive and cannot be around even low odor dry erase markers. (at least none that I've found locally) I need to find some that will work because her classroom has NO CHALKBOARD! Any suggestions for markers with no odor? (PS, we tried the wipe off crayons and they don't er...wipe off) Thanks so much!!! School started today, so any replies will be much appreciated.

POSTED BY MELODIE :: OKLAHOMA USA :: 2:41 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I use a "fine point" marker called Vis-A-Vis that I get at Staples. But if you need a broad tip...I don't know.

Readers?

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 0 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

January 17, 2008

Watercolor markers revisited

QUESTION:

I've been investigating water-based markers for use in an Interior Design class since posting here re:same, Jan. 8th. I have discovered Tombow markers in an impressive array of colors, comparable to the Prismacolors the class list specifies. My instructor is amenable to substitution, so I'd like to put the question out to all: Has anyone with mild to moderate chemical sensitivity used Tombow water-based markers, and have you had a problem with them?

I need to purchase within the next couple of days, and will be grateful for an answer at your earliest convenience.
Thanks.

POSTED BY PSG :: ILLINOIS USA :: 4:21 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Readers?

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 1 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

January 08, 2008

Markers

QUESTION:

I'm going to be taking a Color Rendering class as part of an Interior Design curriculum and will be using color markers and pencils. I cannot use markers with solvents or a strong smell due to chemical sensitivities. Please advise me (ASAP) as to the brands of non-toxic markers with the color range required for interior design drawing. Thanks so much. (And now that I know the currently available edition of Home Safe Home is the new one, I'll get that, but need the marker info right away.)

POSTED BY PSG :: ILLINOIS USA :: 11:40 AM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

What you want to do is go to a art supply store and get water-based markers. I use STABILayout markers. Lots of colors. I just searched for a webpage and couldn't find one. Maybe they are no longer available.

Try asking The Art and Creative Materials Institute. They keep track of safe art supplies.

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 0 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

January 26, 2007

Is Cadmium paint safe after it's dried?

QUESTION:

Debra, This is a great website and I appreciate what you are doing to help all of us be healthier and happier. Thank you. My question is about paint. I have used paint for years in artwork and I am now concerned over the message that acrylics contain cadimium. It tells you not to spray it, but my concern is I use this in painting childrens rooms with various children themes. After it is dry how dangerous is this to the children or adults? This is a big concern for artist and purchasing original art work. Thank you.
Cheryle Silanskis, Illinois

POSTED BY CHERYLE :: ILLINOIS USA :: 11:26 AM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

You know who would know the answer to that question is The Art and Creative Materials Institute. They are the leading authority on the safety of art and creative materials. They have evaluated and certified over 60,000 art and creative material formulations for children and adults (since 1940!) and have an online database of those they have found to be nontoxic. You may have seen their seal on many products. Their website also explains toxicity issues connected with art supplies.

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 0 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

October 09, 2006

Natural Play Dough

QUESTION:

I am working on a project for a museum and wish to use home made play dough. I need to know if this mixture is insect proof; someone told me the high level of salt would repell insects. The recipe I have for the play dough is: 4 cups flour, 2 cups water and 2 cups salt. If the salt does not repell insects should I use a varnish or lacquer on the finished project?

POSTED BY JUDY :: WYOMING USA :: 6:22 AM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Common sense tells me this should be insect proof, but I don't have experience with this. Readers?

Debra :-)

CATEGORY — ART SUPPLIES :: 5 COMMENTS :: POST YOUR COMMENT

December 08, 2008

professional artist gone MCS

August 15, 2008

Safe Dry Erase Markers for School

January 17, 2008

Watercolor markers revisited

January 08, 2008

Markers

January 26, 2007

Is Cadmium paint safe after it's dried?

October 09, 2006

Natural Play Dough

Welcome!

POST AN ENTRY

About This Blog

Recent Questions

Recent Comments

Categories

Archives