Miranda Carter: Navigating the Intersection of Art, Sustainability, and the Landscape
Miranda Carter's practice is deeply rooted in an intuitive and poetic engagement with the natural world. Through atmospheric paintings that evoke the vastness of landscapes, her work strikes a delicate balance between light, space, and land. Her process is not merely about capturing scenery; it is about embodying fleeting, ephemeral moments within nature—those moments of stillness that resonate long after they have passed.
Central to Carter’s creative philosophy is a profound commitment to sustainability. In an era where the environmental implications of art materials are increasingly scrutinized, Carter has cultivated a practice that reflects both her artistic vision and a responsibility to the planet. Her materials—recycled, sustainable, and organic—are carefully chosen, ensuring that her work aligns with her belief in the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the environment.
Ahead of our conversation, I sought to understand how Carter’s holistic approach extends beyond her creative process. Her work is a reflection of the interconnectedness between artist, materials, and observer—a relationship that is particularly evident in her reflections on sustainability.
Ella – Your commitment to sustainability is impressive. What has the journey been like for you in terms of aligning your practice with these principles?
Miranda – There are certain things I’ve always done out of habit, like reducing waste, recycling materials, and caring for my tools. But as I delved deeper into sustainability, I found that many approaches didn’t resonate with my practice. For years, I thought that being a sustainable artist meant making my own paints from natural pigments, but I soon realized this didn’t quite fit with my work. The resources available back then were limited. However, as I looked closer over the past year, I discovered eco-friendly paints and materials that aligned with my ethos. I’m now using paints that are kinder to the environment, and that feels like a significant step forward.
Ella – Your work often explores the natural environment. Has the theme of landscape always been central to your practice?
Miranda – Yes, it has. I’ve always had an instinctive, almost meditative approach to painting. My studio practice is deeply personal—it’s about the relationship between me, my materials, and the canvas. I focus on balancing shape, color, and mark-making, always embracing the unexpected. Much like the landscapes I love—vast and tranquil—I aim to create that same feeling of calm in my work. I’ve always been drawn to expansive views, those landscapes that seem to stretch on endlessly. My goal is to capture that sense of openness and stillness in my paintings.
Ella – You’ve mentioned cold-water swimming as part of your routine. How does that influence your work?
Miranda – Cold-water swimming is essential for me, particularly because my mind tends to race. It’s difficult to transition from my busy thoughts into painting mode, but swimming in cold water clears my mind and grounds me. The reflections I see in the water and the misty mornings I experience on my walks often find their way into my work. I want my paintings to create a sense of serenity, especially since many of my pieces end up in bedrooms. The goal is always to evoke peace and calm.
Ella – You’ve made significant strides in incorporating eco-conscious materials into your work. What specific materials are you currently using, and have you encountered any challenges along the way?
Miranda – I feel as though I’m just beginning this journey. It’s an ongoing process, and I’m learning as I go. At the moment, I’m using water-mixable oils and paints with vegan or non-heavy-metal bases, which means I can avoid toxic solvents that are typically used in oil painting. I’ve also started using bio-based acrylics, which reduce reliance on petrol-based resins and avoid animal-derived pigments. For my stretcher panels, I use sustainably sourced UK pine, and all of my frames are FSC-certified. I also prioritize organic cotton for my canvases and work with companies that prioritize recycled or eco-friendly packaging. I try to minimize the distance materials travel to lower the carbon footprint. It’s an evolving practice, but I’m excited that this conversation is gaining momentum, especially through platforms like this magazine.
Ella – Looking ahead, are there any new materials or techniques you’re excited to explore in the coming year?
Miranda – As my work grows larger and slower, I find myself becoming more invested in the entire process of creating a painting. I’ve always made my own canvases, but I’d like to take this further by personally overseeing the entire creation process—from stretching the canvas to priming, painting, and framing. Recently, I’ve started experimenting with wooden tray frames, which I stain with a dark walnut water-based wood stain. The act of framing is incredibly satisfying, as it gives me a sense of completing the full cycle of creation. It’s all about the tactile connection with each stage of the process.
Ella – In terms of your wider impact on the art world, what do you hope to achieve in the realm of sustainability?
Miranda – My hope is that by sharing my process and commitments, I’ll spark conversations with other artists. I want to show that sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into artistic practice. For me, the goal is not just about the artwork itself, but also about encouraging others to think more critically about their own environmental footprint. Whether someone finds my work because of my sustainability message or simply because they like the art itself, I hope that it encourages a deeper connection to the natural world and a greater sense of responsibility for its preservation.
Miranda Carter’s commitment to sustainable practices serves as both a personal reflection of her values and a broader invitation to reconsider the ecological footprint of art. In an increasingly eco-conscious world, her work stands as a testament to the potential for art to engage meaningfully with environmental stewardship. Through her careful selection of materials and her thoughtful, slow approach to painting, Carter is not only creating work that resonates with beauty but also one that actively contributes to a dialogue on sustainability within the art world.