Voices for Nature
As we face ever-increasing socio-environmental pressures, man made species and habitat loss, rising pollution, desertification, unpredictable climate patterns and huge disparities between the wealthy and the impoverished- more than ever we are called to connect to our creativity and use our voices and our art on behalf of Nature and the voiceless.
The artists featured here are using their work to inspire, re-connect, remember and re-vision our relationship with the living Earth. They use their creativity to raise awareness, take a stand or inspire creative solutions during these challenging times.
If you are an artist activist (or artivist!) or creative individual or collective and would like to be featured on our page, please complete the online interview here
Featured Artists
The I AM IMPACT Project by Khandiz Joni
Your name
Khandiz Joni
Tell us a little bit about your background…
I am a Chartered Environmentalist, independent sustainability professional and multidisciplinary artist, but I call myself a Creative Sustainableist.
I work with both businesses and individuals to transform their vision into one that stimulates social, environmental and economic cohesion. My approach is to design creative solutions that are ‘conducive to happiness’ and have a positive impact on all Life.
I have been a hair and makeup artist for two decades. Before studying makeup, I attended art school. My work marries conceptual art and thought-provoking narratives using eco-beauty alternatives. My entry into conscious beauty stems from a life-long interest in environmentalism.
I have been experimenting with natural beauty brands since 2006. In 2012 I moved to London from my native Cape Town and actively switched out my professional kit. My editorial and commercial clients include Harpers Bazaar Japan, Fashion Revolution, Absolution Cosmetics, Twelve Beauty and Hunger Magazine.
I have been working with an exclusively green, conscious kit since 2014 after systematically replacing mainstream and conventional brands. I have committed to finishing my kit, at which time I will no longer be a commercial makeup artist and will instead focus on sustainability consultancy work.
Khandiz is a registered Chartered Environmentalist. She holds a certificate from Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership, is certified by the Carbon Literacy Project as ‘Carbon Literate’, and has a Diploma SBP qualification from IEMA.
Passionate about storytelling, creative thinking and systems change, culminating in her entrepreneurial spirit. She was a founding member of A Novel Approach, an award-winning creative consultancy for eco-ethical fashion and beauty brands, was the Editor of Untainted Magazine and guest-writes about sustainable beauty for WGSN and other publications.
You can read more about Khandiz´s life journey here https://vujadecreative.solutions/about-khandiz/
Please share one thing you love about the world today …
Possibility
Please share one of the things that concern you about the world today…
Divisiveness; as it limits our collective opportunity to make meaningful change for every living thing on this planet.
How would you describe your art? What is the message you would like people to receive when seeing/hearing/ experiencing your artwork?
My art – regardless of the medium – is always an invitation to be inquisitive. To me, one of the great advantages of art is that it is subjective, and in being subjective, it offers the viewer an opinion. But it also offers them an opportunity to sit with their opinion and question why it makes them feel a certain way. Which in turn allows them to question and challenge long-held beliefs, and the possibility of seeing things from a new perspective.
What motivates you to use your art on behalf of nature?
My art is rooted in humanity. Humanity – and all life – depends on nature. We are of it. We are in it. How can I create art that depicts humanity if I am not examining our very reliance on nature?
Is there any other area of your life where you are taking action on behalf of our living Earth?
Everything I do, in every aspect of my life and work is dedicated to serving to regenerate living systems, and making this planet we share a happier – eudemonic – place to be. It’s a vocation. I can’t help myself.
What brings you joy?
Seeing people’s expressions when they learn, and understand, a new concept, idea or opportunity. The journeying towards simplicity and clarity (in all contexts) also brings me joy.
Links to website/social media/contact:
www.iamimpactproject.org / IG: @iamimpactproject
www.vujadecreatives.solutions / IG @khandiz
The I AM IMPACT Project_Biodiversity: Bees & Buildings
Photography: Aks Hucklberry
Global Citizen: Liz Bigonova
Bodypainting & Concept: Khandiz Joni
The I AM IMPACT Project_Biodiversity:Fisheries
Photography: @planetaks
Global Citizen: @elliottlevrai
Bodypainting & Concept: Khandiz Joni
The I AM IMPACT Project_Water Security: Body of Water
Global Citizen: @planetaks
Photorgraphy, Bodypainting & Concept: Khandiz Joni
Land-systems Change: Lungs
Global Citizen: Ethan Samuel Jacobs
Photorgraphy, Bodypainting & Concept: Khandiz Joni
Your name…..
Selah Liberty Joy
Tell us a little bit about your background…
I am a bit of a movement junkie. I was originally trained as a
classical ballerina, and spent a lot of time in the bright lights and
sweat smells of theatre. An injury brought me to yoga and I started to
question and explore the spirit of my embodiment. I then flowed into
circus and the festival scene and have been working in the
entertainment industry since. Through that I got to travel all around
South Africa and have performed internationally in Europe, Canada,
Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Azores. I’ve enjoyed pretty
much every form of dance from martial arts to bellydance to Flamenco
to aerial- and this has enabled me to build a diverse and intimate
relationship with my body. Now I love exploring the expression and
impact that an emotion, spirit or thought form has on movement, mostly
through a deep listening that flows into a creative improvisation.
Please share one thing you love about the world today …
Innovation! The melding of polarities to create something new and
unique. My personal journey at this time is about this beautiful
weaving of the individual within the collective – I feel like I am
discovering what inter-dependence is, what collaboration can
co-create…its the birthing of a new story like the unfurling of the
fern.
Please share one of the things that concern you about the world today…
Misdirected energy.
How would you describe your art? What is the message you would like
people to receive when seeing/hearing/ experiencing your artwork?
The dance is an expression of what is now.
The dance is opening to being fully alive.
The dance is passion and pain and pleasure pouring through.
The dance is a heart song, an offering, a union, a prayer of creation.
The dance is an expression of the joy of being alive,
on this Earth, connected to all that is.
What motivates you to use your art on behalf of nature?
Communion with Nature has always been present in my life. I feel
deeply connected to the land, the soil, the mountains, the trees and
plants, the animals and fungi, the waters and oceans, the air and the
clouds.I feel deeply connected to my fellow humans. It is through the
body that we bridge the gap between human and earth consciousness.
Is there any other area of your life where you are taking action on
behalf of our living Earth?
I work with the garden, am conscious of which farmers I am supporting
and where my food comes from, plant trees when I can and every day I
give gratitude!
What brings you joy?
Wow, way too many things to mention! Id say its in the small things 🙂
Instagram @selahliberty joy
Website www.selahlibertyjoy.com
To watch Earth Stories, Selah’s short film of dances for Nature:
https://selahlibertyjoy.com/performance/online/earth-stories/
