I'm on vacation for two weeks and since it's in the 90's and humid, John and I are thinking we really need to escape to somewhere warmer. We're headed to western Texas for a family wedding, and then to Big Bend National Park. I guess this is my year for the southwest, which is not too hard to take. Since it's not an artist residency I won't have to pack a ton of art supplies this trip, but I am bringing watercolors and I hope to do a little work while I'm out there.
John and I checked out the Indie Art Festival in downtown Providence Saturday night. Not a whole lot of "art", but lots of music which was fun. Waterfire was going on also, so we walked along to river to the Courthouse park. I never make a point to see Waterfire anymore, but somehow always end up at at least one every year. When I do, it surprises me that it still can be impressive after seeing dozens of them. The commerce end—souvenirs, food stands, tag-along acts, gets to me sometimes. But then again, who was standing in line for a Del's? Well, me I guess, but at least I knew enough not to drink it with a straw, being the true Rhode Islander that I am. The price was outrageous though—$4.! John and I decided that the price of our state drink should be regulated, so it's the same price wherever you buy it. After that we caught Mahi Mahi at the skating rink, they were pretty good. I liked the drummer's kit, it was half electronic, half actual drums.
In the studio, I've been testing out some non-toxic alternatives to my Windsor and Newton Titanium White and Naples Yellow. Permalba White by Weber uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but doesn't use the lead that W&N does, and has the AP non-toxic seal . Naples Yellow Hue by Gamblin uses iron oxide, cadmium sulfide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in linseed oil and has this reassuring labeling:
Although I've just started using them, I don't see any real difference that would outweight the benefits of their safety. So I may have eliminated all of the hazardous materials in my paints. I did buy some metal trash cans to store my rags anyway, since I still have to use up some of the more toxic paints I already have until I can take them to the Eco-Depot.
John and I checked out the Indie Art Festival in downtown Providence Saturday night. Not a whole lot of "art", but lots of music which was fun. Waterfire was going on also, so we walked along to river to the Courthouse park. I never make a point to see Waterfire anymore, but somehow always end up at at least one every year. When I do, it surprises me that it still can be impressive after seeing dozens of them. The commerce end—souvenirs, food stands, tag-along acts, gets to me sometimes. But then again, who was standing in line for a Del's? Well, me I guess, but at least I knew enough not to drink it with a straw, being the true Rhode Islander that I am. The price was outrageous though—$4.! John and I decided that the price of our state drink should be regulated, so it's the same price wherever you buy it. After that we caught Mahi Mahi at the skating rink, they were pretty good. I liked the drummer's kit, it was half electronic, half actual drums.In the studio, I've been testing out some non-toxic alternatives to my Windsor and Newton Titanium White and Naples Yellow. Permalba White by Weber uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but doesn't use the lead that W&N does, and has the AP non-toxic seal . Naples Yellow Hue by Gamblin uses iron oxide, cadmium sulfide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in linseed oil and has this reassuring labeling:
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: Not listed as a carcinogen by the NTP, IARC, or OSHA; no adverse long-term effects are known. No known adverse health affects to linseed oil.Compare this to the Windsor and Newton....
Waste disposal method: Small amounts can be dried and disposed of as ordinary trash.
Warning: may be harmful if swallowed. Cancer agent based on experimental data. Exposure may cause harm to the developing fetus. Exposure may cause damage to the testes or difficulty with reproduction. Exposure may cause nervous system, kidney or bone marrow damage. Avoid using if pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children. Contains soluble lead. This product also carries the following warning in accordance with Californian proposition 65; This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
ECOTOXICITY Dangerous to the environment. May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Although I've just started using them, I don't see any real difference that would outweight the benefits of their safety. So I may have eliminated all of the hazardous materials in my paints. I did buy some metal trash cans to store my rags anyway, since I still have to use up some of the more toxic paints I already have until I can take them to the Eco-Depot.
Thanks, Kathy, I don't know how I missed this the first time through. Gamblin again, eh? They are spendy, but worth it for the safety factors.
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