2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Lara Cornell

Place Based Paint Making, Lara Cornell

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

In my inaugural semester at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) as a Master of Arts in Sustainable Design (MASD) candidate, the research conducted for a Visual Communications project led me to a pivotal study by Earth Action. The study detailed the detrimental impacts of microplastics originating from acrylic paints on marine ecosystems and water resources. The key takeaway was “Paint appears as the largest source of microplastic leakage into the Ocean & Waterways (1.9 Mt/year), outweighing all other sources of microplastic leakage (e.g. textiles fibres and tyre dust).” My personal artistic endeavors have predominantly utilized acrylic paints; hence, the revelation was profoundly unsettling. The realization of my own studio's contribution to this environmental issue, alongside the remembrance of countless art sessions with children where paints inevitably found their way down drains, prompted an immediate shift in my priorities. Subsequently, my academic pursuits within the MASD program concentrated on probing for more sustainable alternatives to commercial acrylic paints, aiming to curtail the infusion of microplastics into aquatic environments. In my project I conducted an extensive examination into the ecological and social ramifications of acrylic paint. Recognizing the pronounced extraction processes and detrimental impacts associated with traditional paint mediums, I applied the principles of Design Thinking to explore more sustainable material alternatives for artists. The goal was to uncover materials with negligible to zero impact on the biosphere and human health, all while not compromising the artists' creative expression. My research is focused on developing more sustainable paint options that do not depend on finite petroleum based materials and biproducts and leverage hyperlocal supply chains. This work stands at the forefront of fostering significant shifts within the artistic community, as well as the broader economy and environment. This initiative goes beyond just crafting a product—it spearheads a movement. It represents a redefinition of our relationship with materials, enriching our understanding of their origins and end-of-life, while encouraging informed decisions that cast a positive impact on our biosphere and society.

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MA?

Enrolling in MCAD's online course on biomimicry piqued my interest. Having authored a book on sustainability within the arts, I find myself deeply fascinated by the intersection of art, science, and ecological principles. Pursuing the MASD program at an institution like MCAD appeared to be a perfect match for my academic pursuits and personal passions.

Favorite thing about the program (so far)?

I've really enjoyed all of the course content, as well as the collaborative projects such as working with Target and a non-profit in the Duluth area.

What is the MCAD online learning experience like?

It's much different than learning in a classroom, but the opportunity to meet students who are interested and passionate about the same things that you are from all around the world has been my favorite part. It helps bring more diverse perspectives to the table and more opportunities for interesting collaborations.

What inspires you?

Discussions surrounding climate change and climate justice, while crucial, often carry an emotional weight. But what I find inspiring is the myriad of passionate, creative, and determined individuals tirelessly seeking solutions in this arena. They make me want to keep showing up and keep doing more.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

In my Visual Communications class I created an Infographic about acrylic paint. It gave some details as to when artists started using acrylic paint (and some of the most famous artists at the time who adopted it), what exactly "water soluble" paint means, the life cycle of acrylic paint from extraction to end of life, and possible solutions/alternatives to acrylic paint.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

As part of my thesis, I'm doing research into paint making recipes through history which has been really interesting. But my focus for the moment has been on plant-based pigments which has me planning a pigment garden for the summer.