There are so many hazards, risks, and safety concerns I encountered when working for art institutions that I learned what NOT to do. The ways I prioritize safety are tied to how I store my supplies and artwork during and after completion. There is also ample education, training, and literature about best practice for safety and hazards disseminated in books, journals, and at conferences. To learn more about what I do for safe storage, see my other blog post! Below are a few tips and tricks I do, or plan to try, to practice safety for myself and my home art studio.
Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae
Fire Extinguisher or Fire Blanket
Something as simple and accessible as a fire extinguisher is a must. I work with a lot of vintage clothing, and make cardboard art, illustrations on paper, and quilts, all of which are flammable. (Although, most modern cardboard has been previously sprayed with a flame retardant.) I have known a few thrift stores and antique shops that have gone up in flames. Piles of dirty clothes or artwork shoved on the floor in the corner is a recipe for disaster, so I make a point to put my inventory in airtight bins and keep my art off the floor and away from outlets. A great companion to my fire extinguisher would be a fire blanket that snuffs out fires immediately and without mess.
Fire Retardant Spray
I have sprayed fire retardants on fabrics, like curtains and rugs, or raw wood, like cabinets, to prevent them from burning or spreading potential fire. There are many different kinds of fire retardant sprays made for very specific purposes like the kind that adheres to previously painted walls and wood which I’d like to try. They have to be applied with proper ventilation and while wearing a mask because the ones I have used are very potent.
Paint with a Purpose
I have experienced living or working in buildings with mold and mildew. It has caused respiratory and mental health issues for me, so I like to take control over the topic of mold and mildew when I can, as much as I can. Using a mold and mildew resistant paint is a must and most major home improvement stores have some on the shelves. These paints are usually bright white which works for me, but they are tiltable with any brand or color. I put it right on top of any existing wall paint color. Before applying mold and mildew resistant paint, I clean the walls with a cloth and germ killing product and this is a habit I try to keep when doing my regular cleaning.
Air Quality
I am highly allergic to mold and mildew, along with dust and pollen, so I like to have natural ventilation and air circulation to improve the air quality in my studio. I like opening a door or window, on a regular basis along with circulating the air with a fan or air purifier on occasion. This keeps allergens from settling and also helps combat mold and mildew. Natural plants help as well, although I do not have the greenest thumb!
Cedar
To avoid pests, and to keep my textile art and vintage inventory fresh as it seems to absorb moisture, I use ample amounts of cedar. Cedar balls, plaques of wood, and rings are small enough to place in my drawers, file cabinets, or cupboards. Any given bin or box in my studio has the sound of a cedar ball rolling around. Cedar can be sanded down during spring cleaning to reactivate the aroma. In the future, I’d love to line the inside of my work island with cedar planks where I store my sewing fabric. So far, it’s been very effective.
Pests
I haven’t found an innovative way to eliminate pests like roaches, ‘silver fish’, ants and other bugs besides old fashioned methods that are tried and true. Bug traps, caulking edges, regular sprays, and cleaning up liquids have been the most fail safe methods. The presence of bugs is not always because I am ‘dirty’ it’s about access and food/water supply most of the time.
Caster Wheels and Height
In terms of safety and risk management, caster wheels might sound like an odd topic. But, as a small woman and solo artist, adding lockable caster wheels to furniture helps me safely move things about and modify my space with ease. Caster wheels also help elevate furniture, and its contents, off the floor from dust or potential flooding. There are so many more pieces of furniture and storage I’d like to make mobile in the near future.
L Brackets
When things are not on lockable wheels, I try to bolt everything steady with L brackets to the wall. Adding L backets to the base of furniture pieces has helped steady a free standing piece. I have used modular walls made of discarded doors for years now in my studio and in my past antique stall. bolting them to the wall and bracing them on the base has allowed me to modify my space in unique ways.
