THE EXHIBITION
Exhibited at SHOP Preston CIC, August 2025.
The environmental impact of the zines and exhibition
Photography and the processes of making work often uses many different materials and resources, which can create large amounts of environmental pollution and waste. As this project has developed over the last few months, I have become very conscious of the materials used and the ‘footprint’ created. I have tried to reduce this as much as I currently can and be really mindful of the methods used. I have mostly focused on the paper/materials used and the waste created from this, but there are still many improvements to make as I learn more.
I think one of the most important things we can all do on a personal level is try our best to consider and minimise our impact, share knowledge and be transparent about our process. I would love to discuss this with anyone who is also interested or has related suggestions.
The zines were printed and bound in Leeds by PRINT.WORK, on Oribi Straw - a paper made from 100% agricultural waste (products from crop farming which would otherwise be burnt). The photographs on the wall have also been printed on this paper. The tape used inside the zines and during most of the testing period is plastic-free and recyclable.
I have been printing mock-ups and tests at the UCLan library, mostly on paper created from 100% recycled post-consumer waste, made in Spain and distributed by Eco-Craft in Lancashire. The maps on the wall were also drawn onto this paper. For the zine sleeves and additional text inserts (if you’re buying a zine), I have reused the mock-up sheets and printed on the other side of them.
The exhibition industry can have a significant environmental impact, from the various materials, waste and emissions created during the many stages of exhibiting, such as the artwork production, shipping, packaging, travel, installation and display methods used.
To minimise the waste and resources used for this small and short exhibition, I have not framed anything and have used Blu Tack to attach the prints to the wall and window, as the Blu Tack and prints can then both be easily reused. I have used the pegs, clips, furniture and pinboard already kept in this building. Exhibiting at SHOP, a local CIC space, has cut out the resources used in the artwork transport/artist travel process. I walked over with everything lightly packaged in reused and recyclable materials.
Please get in touch if you would like to purchase any zines or prints.
Pay what you can + postage:
Individual zine (Malham, Great Langdale or Chwarel Dinorwig): £7-12
Wonky Silverdale zine (wrong cover map, but correct inside): donations, given to The Sameer Project
Set of all 4 zines: £25-35
A5 print: £7-12 (printed on recycled paper, so flecks/shade vary between each print).
Left to right: Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve,
Cumbria Way,
Malham Cove limestone pavement,
Malham ash tree. Limited edition.
50% of profit will go to The Sameer Project - sales/donations at the exhibition have raised £51 and been donated to their North Gaza campaign.