Artist Profile Page

Sarah Mitchell

@skimiting

Inner Animal: Sea Turtle

From Bristol, England, Sarah is the Communications Officer at wildlife conservation charity Avon Wildlife Trust. She studied Anthropology and Publishing, but has always done art and design on the side. She did a digital textile design course in London, and since then has been running her own creative business called skimi. Growing up in East Africa and spending lots of time outdoors inspired Sarah to create beautiful designs that bring awareness to environmental issues.

What inspired you to take part in our Artist Collaboration Program?

After buying a plastic phone case that lasted me about two months, I thought I would research whether there was any alternative out there – and I found Pela. Alongside, I have been aligning skimi with sustainable projects. I had recently finished a commission for Beeswax Wrap Co. and was excited about the next collaboration, when I saw the shout out about the Artist Collaboration Programme I thought I’d give it a shot!

Tell us about your level of environmental practices in your home, community etc?

The less that goes into landfill, the better! I try to be aware of what I use at home, where it comes from and where it goes after. Finding alternatives to single use plastic was my first step, using a bag for life for groceries, bars of soap, reusable water bottles and coffee cups and just generally being careful about recycling and reusing things where possible.

Why do you think it's important to be environmentally friendly today?

Our planet needs us and so do the future generations! We are at a critical time and the changes that we make now will hugely impact on the future. We are losing species and ecosystems and damaging habitats, but it’s important to remember that we are part of that as well. Everything is connected and we need to do what we can to protect the environment. If we start now, it won’t be too late to make changes so people and nature can thrive together.

Where did the inspiration come for the case you designed?

Pollinators such as bees and other insects are in decline because of habitat loss, yet they are an essential part of the process for the food that we eat! Planting nectar-rich flowers in our gardens and green spaces or drilling holes in logs are perfect ways to help bees and other pollinators so they can easily find food and shelter. This becomes extra important as habitats become more fragmented. You could also try making a bug hotel, even bees need somewhere to rest while they travel around!

What is one thing you do in your life, that makes a positive impact on the environment?

I have chosen to use my artwork and design to stand up for the environment and through this I hope to inspire others to be aware and make changes too.

What suggestion would you give to someone who wanted to live more 'green' but overwhelmed on how?

This definitely can be overwhelming, so focus on one thing at a time! Choose one product that you use, or take one lifestyle choice that you make and think about how you can turn that ‘green’. The small changes will add up.

What is your favourite quote?

"When we forget that we are embedded in the natural world, we also forget that what we do to our surroundings we are doing to ourselves." - David Suzuki

See the Bee Case here!

See the Plant Case here!

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