Why I’m Switching Back to Acrylics: A Journey to a Healthier Studio
Over the past while, I’ve been on a mission to detox my life, removing as many harmful chemicals as I can from my home, products, and, of course, my studio. My partner, and I, along with our dog Bella, have really been focusing on our health lately, especially since we work, live, and share this space together. I’m always thinking about how the choices I make in my art directly affect my health and the environment in our home.
Having a home studio is amazing, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the air we breathe and the materials I use are safe. It’s been a journey of rethinking everything from skincare to cleaning products, textiles and to the art supplies I use every day. While oils and cold wax have their charm, they come with some serious downsides. The fumes and chemicals are something I just can't ignore anymore.
After a lot of thought, I realized that acrylics might be the answer I’ve been searching for. I’m now using Liquitex Heavy Body paints with Golden Light Molding Paste, and let me tell you: it’s everything I love about painting! Thick, buttery texture with the rich, vibrant colour I’m all about. And the best part? It’s a cleaner, safer option that doesn’t come with the same worries I had with oils. It’s really been a breath of fresh air (literally!).
I didn’t expect acrylics to deliver the same depth and richness as oil paints, but they’ve surprised me. The modeling paste gives me the thick texture I crave, and the colors are so vibrant, I feel like they pop just like oils. I’m thrilled to be able to return to a medium that aligns with my health-conscious choices while still achieving the look and feel I want for my work.
It’s not just about making art anymore; it’s about creating in a way that feels aligned with the life I want to live. And honestly, switching to acrylics has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my health and my creativity.
If you're looking for a safer, non-toxic alternative for your art practice, Liquitex acrylics are definitely worth checking out. They have all the vibrancy and texture I love, but without the downsides. And they come with so many Cadmium-free colours. And as I continue to detox my studio, I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me.