Exploring the Artistic Potentials of Indigenous Earth Resources: Pathways to Sustainable Creative Practice at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo

Abstract

The growing global emphasis on sustainability and cultural relevance in education has led to renewed interest in indigenous materials within creative disciplines. This study investigates the artistic potentials of locally available earth resources such as kaolinite clay, laterite, sandy clay, red earth, and burnt clay ash within the context of sustainable art practice at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. Employing a qualitative case study design with elements of practice-based research, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and material experimentation involving lecturers, studio technicians, students, and local artisans. The findings reveal that these earth materials possess significant artistic value and practical applicability in sculpture, mural painting, pigment production, and textured canvas work. Materials such as kaolinite and red earth demonstrated strong aesthetic and structural performance, while laterite and burnt clay ash offered unique visual effects and cultural resonance. The study also identified challenges such as inconsistent material properties, lack of standard processing methods, and institutional hesitation toward non-industrial materials. A comparative analysis with conventional art materials highlighted the ecological, economic, and cultural advantages of adopting indigenous resources in art education. The integration of these materials not only fosters sustainable creative practice but also reinforces cultural identity and environmental stewardship among learners. Based on these insights, the study recommends curriculum integration, capacity building, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement as strategic pathways for institutionalizing the use of indigenous materials. This research contributes to the discourse on decolonizing art education and advancing eco-conscious pedagogy, offering a replicable model for similar institutions in resource-constrained settings across Africa.