People often ask me what craftivism is. Generally I talk about how it’s about using what you make with your hands as your mouthpiece. It’s about speaking a different way, a non-vocal, raw, visceral way that pulls no punches. I never really learned how to embrace my anger verbally, but I sure as hell can find it when I start stitching. My craft is my purest voice, the one that has late talks in the middle of the night, the one that cries when this world shows us it is just as beautiful as it is wretched, the one that hugs and kisses for keeps. It’s not the voice I wish I could express in words, it’s the voice that is me beyond all the external trappings.


And just as I can use what I make with my hands to exorcise my own demons, I know that the same can be done for others. It is for these reasons that I wanted to share a very special project with you, the Combat Paper Project, which helps veterans transform their military uniforms into paper and then transform their thoughts into art. Giving these veterans a way to convert their emotions into art not only gives a therapeutic product, it also presents a therapeutic process. For some veterans, this may be the first time they really were able to create freely and honestly, without worrying about military culture or stereotypes. I love that this project exists, and that it helps so many people regain control of their lives and their creativity.


Here’s the trailer for Sarah Nessen’s (Portrayal Films upcoming documentary about the project, Iraq Paper Scissors:

IRAQ PAPER SCISSORS from Sara Nesson on Vimeo.

Some may think craftivism’s intent is liberal, anarchic, guerrilla, but in reality, it’s just about letting the real you speak and express that range of emotions we are often taught not to have. It’s a way of fighting, learning, delving into, staying with the emotions that come up outside of polite society.

It’s therapy that makes beautiful things, engages others, pushes you to learn and opens your eyes. All without saying a word… Or sitting on a couch. The bonus? Something to hang on your wall at the end. (Although if you’re a veteran and words are more your thing, there’s the wonderfully awesome Warrior Writers Project!)

Other projects helping combat PTSD through creativity:
Vet Art Project
Art Reach: Project America
National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum
More project links from Combat Paper Project’s website
Jafabrit’s son is a veteran, which is a focus of some of her work

Photo from the Combat Paper Project’s online gallery, Stolen Youth by Drew Cameron and Drew Matott, 2009