From Soil to Art: Why We Chose Hemp
Eight years ago, we planted our first seeds; not just in soil, but in vision. We believed that industrial hemp (_Cannabis sativa L._), a plant with deep roots in Anatolia, could help us regenerate not only our lands, but our industries, our imagination, and our communities. Today, this vision is growing — but to fully blossom, it needs land, collaboration, and bold creative action.
From Soil to Art: Why We Chose Hemp
Hemp is one of nature’s most generous gifts. It grows fast, draws carbon from the air, revitalizes soil, and asks for little in return — no pesticides, minimal water. Its stalks become paper, insulation, bioplastics, textiles, and hempcrete. Its seeds nourish human and animal health. Its fibers outlast centuries.
But despite its promise, growing hemp in Türkiye still faces practical challenges: limited land, siloed supply chains, outdated perceptions. And the only way we’ve seen to truly activate its potential is to build bridges — between farmers and artists, researchers and architects, producers and storytellers.
Why Expanding Hemp Cultivation Matters
To shift from niche to impact, we need more land growing better hemp; especially varieties adapted to regenerative agriculture and local ecosystems. But land use doesn’t shift without economic demand.
That’s why we focus on cross-sector adoption. Hemp must be desired by multiple industries; not for its novelty, but for its performance and ecological value.
Here are just a few sectors already exploring or needing viable alternatives where hemp fits naturally:
– Textiles: Hemp fabric is breathable, antimicrobial, UV-protective, and outlasts cotton — with a fraction of the water usage.
– Construction: Hempcrete is carbon-negative, fireproof, and insulative — ideal for green buildings and circular cities.
– Health & Wellness: Hempseed oil supports cardiovascular health and skin regeneration; its amino acid profile makes it a superfood.
– Cosmetics: High in Omega-3 and -6, hemp oil balances sebum and enhances skin elasticity.
– Mulching & Soil Health: Hemp biomass is a rich mulch for water retention and weed control.
– Animal Bedding & Feed: Hemp hurd absorbs moisture and reduces ammonia odors, improving farm hygiene.
– Bioplastics & Composites: From car panels to packaging, hemp fiber blends create strong, lightweight, biodegradable materials.
– Paper & Packaging: One hectare of hemp produces more paper than 4 hectares of trees — and grows back every season.
But for these industries to truly transition, they need more than material samples — they need real supply chains.
Our Long Road to Now
We began our research in 2017, cultivating heirloom hemp varieties and running trials across Anatolia. In 2018, we partnered with artist **Gizem Renklidağ** and others to test the first hemp canvases in Türkiye. The results were promising — raw, textural, alive.
Then the pandemic arrived. Lockdowns, shifting priorities, the founding of **Hasat Kooperatifi**, and the emergence of new startups paused the canvas project — but deepened our commitment.
Instead of giving up, we expanded our efforts:
Conducting R&D on fiber retting, paper pulping, and natural dyeing.
Supporting local farmers through cooperative growing models.
Designing bioregional infrastructures, like the **Hemp Dome** and decentralized fiber hubs.
Yet through it all, we felt something was missing: **expression**.
Biomaterials as Culture: A Collective Awakening
We now realize: crafting biobased materials is not just about sustainability — it’s about **awakening**. Creating from hemp is an act of resistance, remembrance, and reimagination. It challenges the fossil-based logic of modern production and invites a deeper intimacy with the Earth.
This is why we’re returning to the _canvas_ — not as a metaphor, but as a **platform for transformation**.
In 2025, **Art on Hemp** becomes the seed of a cultural movement. We’ve joined hands with visionaries, and other artists, designers, and storytellers to build a new language of regeneration.
We’re sourcing heirloom seeds.
We’re weaving canvas from scratch.
We’re inviting artists to explore this living material.
Because when we create with hemp, we don’t just make art
We grow a future.
What’s Next —
and How You Can Support
This is only the beginning. For this movement to scale, we need:
Landowners and farmers willing to grow regenerative hemp
Industry partners ready to test hemp-based inputs
Designers and builders working with biomaterials
Artists and educators to expand cultural narratives
Funders and foundations to support shared infrastructures
And above all, we need people like you
who believe in a more beautiful, resilient, and grounded world.
Let’s grow it together.
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