In conversation with our Founder

This morning, we’re sitting down for chat and a cup of tea with Invisible Dust Founder, Alice Sharp.

❖ How did Invisible Dust begin?

In 2008, I was invited to a British Council ‘Tipping Point’ event in Berlin, with around 100 artists and 100 scientists – experts in everything from soil and oceans to climate change. We stood under the Einstein Park 1899 telescope as Schnellnhuber founder of Potsdam Climate Institute (PIK) told us the immensity of what would happen with climate change – tipping points for the Sahara desert, the Atlantic ocean and how grain harvests across the US would begin to fail. I already worked in projects that were environmentally conscious but at that moment, I knew I wanted to work with artists & scientists together on climate.

❖ What’s your tip for people wanting to start purposeful artistic work?

Don’t be too literal and don’t set too many parameters. Artists are amazing at coming at things from new directions. Humans are naturally imaginative and art that asks questions and provides clues is much more interesting to us: it allows us to use our imagination. Given that sustainability is a very well trodden path these days, that’s important.

❖ What gives you hope for the future?

Despite the ravages of our economic system and people finding it hard to put food on the table, they’re coming together to support each other. It’s so important to meet face to face, outside of the internet. Connecting to another person gives me hope. 

❖ What’s the single best action we can take for the planet?

Vote or get involved in politics. The biggest issues can only be resolved by government who we need to hold to account. Of course it’s important we recycle and save energy, but we have no control over things like transport, pollution, energy infrastructure and how we trade. Start by reading Le Monde Diplomatique for your news.

❖ Why are women’s voices important to the climate movement?

Climate change affects the poor the most and women are the lowest earners across the world. They are often the healthcare providers, farmers, carers and educators.

Women are also the earth protectors: Vandana Shiva, Kenyan Wangari Maathai, Christiana Figueres of the IPCC and Caroline Lucas & Indigenous leaders such as Pat MacCabe.

We produced ‘Under Her Eye’ with Margaret Atwood – a proud moment for me!

?: Alice Sharp hosting IACCCA conference on ecological disruption 2021