So, while I work on compiling on my various resources for craftivism, I’d love to know more about *yours.* Awhile ago, I asked on Twitter if anyone would like to participate in a new interview series for this here blog, and got some takers, whose answers you’ll see here soon.
Likewise, I was wondering if some of you readers might be interested in sharing your craftivist thoughts and activities? If so, feel free to let me know here in the comments, via @craftivista over on Twitter or by emailing me directly.
Here are the 5 questions I’ll be asking, although you’re free to add your own if there’s something else you’d like to share. Since this series is just starting, the exact questions may evolve somewhat over time. The point here is to share how you interpret craftivism with words and/or photos. I look forward to hearing and sharing your stories!
1. In a sentence, how would you define craftivism?
2. What craftivist projects have you been involved with and/or are you doing now?
3. Has craftivism changed the way you’ve looked at craft and/or activism? If so, how?
4. What causes/organizations do you turn your craftivism efforts towards? How did you come to choose them?
5a. Do you have any craftivist-related resources you’d like to share that helped you become craftivi-tastic? Or that you’d like people to know about?
5b. Have any of your own projects you’d like to share?
Craftivism is a positive, beautiful and eyecatching way to communicate hard truth in simple straightforward sustainable messages that challenge people to consider alternatives.
I have only made a small start. I made a craftivist square for a peace quilt – that was for me too – remind me that being quiet and nice can be compliant, so get feisty! I embroidered my banner for a march against the austerity cuts, I was sewing on the train and which was great for opening dialogue. I have embroidered small banners and exhibited them in out of the way places. I don’t have much time but am trying to do more.
Craftivism has inspired me to get involved and active – I have always been vocal, now I can sewcol too. I am hugely inspired by the lovely Sarah Corbo – she is one feisty lady.
I aim to use craftivism in my church community and at our local market but I am slow on the action side of this, I procrastinate, for evil to triumph it is only necessary for good people to do nothing. I aim to use craftivism to challenge the iniquitous system which leads to poor health and wellbeing particularly for women and children.
Last question – I don’t really have much craft to share but I am working on it! I am part of the Riverarts group and aim to do more!
Riverarts – check it out on Facebook and check out the cool Ruben like photo of us painting in St Lukes – a bombed out church in Liverpool.
Hope this is helpful
Annette,
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions for your lovely answers! Much appreciated! And yes! They are all very helpful!
x
Betsy
1. I think ‘craftivism’ is a creative form of expressing personal views, ideas and beliefs.
2(5a,b). My fresh-off-the-needles project is a knitted wristband that can contain any message, be it a political statement or a personal one. I hope you don’t mind if I use this opportunity to provide a link to the project’s blog post with pictures and more detailed explanations.
http://halifaxcharityknitters.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/wristband-little-knitted-motivator/
In order to promote this simple way to let the world know what one stands for, I will publish a fully customizable pattern on my blog and Ravelry. And if I find the right person with programming skills, I would like to set up a little website where you could type any (short) message and it would turn it into a personal knitting pattern. If all goes well, it can be added to other knitted items, like mittens, hats or socks. I am playing with the idea of Socktivism (knitters will understand) but I am not sure that people’s ankles are the most visible parts… so I started with the wrists to get some feedback.
3. I read your book, as you could see from the linked post, and it confirmed my feeling that, as a knitter, I can get more from sharing my craft with others. First, I started a blog devoted to charity knitting with the purpose of collecting information about local non-profits that are in need of knitted items. Next, designing patterns to promote a cause seemed like an idea worth exploring. Then I thought that events in our local knitting community could get more exposure. Now I would like to add Craftivism patterns to involve knitters who might shy away from charity knitting. It’s a long and not-very-modest way to say that there are many ways to employ your craft to make (however small) difference and satisfy that ever evolving need for self-expression and relevance as a crafter.
4. The idea of ‘supporting local’ is pretty strong in Nova Scotia, so first I am looking for local needs. I think people are more likely to knit for hospitals and charities in our city as it creates a feeling of making a difference in your own community. (Also, there is no mailing cost so more dollars are available for yarn). In my view, charity knitting is not activism, strictly speaking. However, when it’s rooted in the desire to be active in one’s community, it opens a door for other ideas and actions as well.
Also, I believe that craftivism is self-centered and self-addressed in a way that it turns a crafter into an activist in the first place. And because for me it’s a form of self-expression (I am what I knit), I would like to propose yet another way to express as many ideas as possible. The collective creative mind of crafters is amazing because anyone can find inspiration in others’ projects, and then participate, replicate, modify or create their own.
Olga,
I just realized I never replied to this comment! My apologies! I love the idea of your knitted wristband! And “socktivism!” love it! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and answers to my questions! :) I believe I owe you a long-overdue email will be in touch soon! x