Our Story & Mission
Here at magnifythesun™…
we have a grandious and audacious goal. We are creating a waste less (art) world.
We know all it takes is the right conversations with the right community to make this the new normal. We also have proof that the technology exists to create everyday art without everyday waste. And just to be clear, by technology—we mean, sun rays and natural paint brushes aka magnifying glasses.
Who would have imagined, right? This is why we make use of accessible resources and environmentally sensible materials to create works of art. We are here to educate and inspire the global community of people who are committed to making a positive impact on our planet.
Put simply, we value sustainability.
How We Started.
This all started with a natural inclination to connect with local communities where I traveled to and the local resources available to create art whilst making ends meet. Our motto is “use what you have to get to where you need to be.” Through the artwork and products we create, we pay tribute to the natural world by using fire from the sun as brush strokes and reclaimed wood as a canvas. This is one of the cleanest transactions we know of—no waste involved.
I grew up living a standard American life, with no formal education or insight on eco-friendly practices or the benefits of biodegradable anything, eating a typical westernized diet—disconnected from the source of the food I consumed, taught to kill insects on sight without a clear reason why their existence was no longer of importance and many other “skills” that I’ve since had to unlearn and relearn. This strongly influences the naturalist lifestyle I embrace and how I chose to set the foundation for MagnifyTheSUN™.
“If we can create art & products at a higher standard to keep our planet, children and families thriving, shouldn’t we?”
How We Do It.
We refer to this art form as solar engraving, which means to focus the energy of the sun to a concentrated beam and then guide that beam of light, thus creating a permanent design. Hye Sea first discovered her passion for the sun’s power as a teenager in high school. Her older brother and she would sit outside with magnifying glasses, setting fire to leaves, paper and anything in arms reach. That was one of many seeds planted that has since blossomed into what we know as MagnifytheSUN™.
What We Value.
By investing into any product or custom work of art, not only are you helping to prevent waste and change what we deem as art but you are helping to establish a renewed world for us all to inhabit. Here are some of the things we value at MagnifytheSUN™:
Little to no waste practices
Alternatives to single use items/materials
Community relationship building
What does little to no waste look like for us?
•using sunshine instead of an electric pen to create
•using wood from second hand sources & tree cuts from fallen trees
•being intentional about what packaging we use to ship products
What are the ways we hone in on alternatives to single use items within MagnifytheSUN™?
•using earth-friendly items
•sourcing eco-friendly product packaging
•reusing office supplies we have laying around
How does MagnifytheSUN™ build relationships with the community?
• we embrace the fact that community is the foundation of everything in existence and so, there is literally nothing we attempt to build by ourselves
•we look to (local, if possible) brands and makers who align with our values