craftivism.

Because craft + activism = craftivism.

The Possibilities of Futuristic Textiles/Creativity (and Healing, too?)

| Betsy

What I love most about working with textiles is that sometimes I get asked to do some pretty amazing things. The other week I was asked to hold a day workshop at V2_ in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, later on this year, where they are working on some amazingly incredible and inspiring things, some of them you can see in the videos below. To check out all other videos from V2, go check out their comprehensive and vast video archive over here:

Ultimaker Masterclass (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

Wearable Urban Routine-Xiaowen Zhu (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

Momentum by Xandra van der Eijk (2011) from V2_ on Vimeo.

 

I’ve kicked around some ideas of what I’d like to do, but am not sure exactly what yet. My first idea out of the box deals with making a garment (first thought: a vest) that uses conductive threads to simulate the wearer being given a hug. While it would specifically aid those who isolate themselves due to PTSD and/or other disorders, it would also be pretty darn cool. In a perfect world, there would be a way to use the conductive threads in such a way that one person somewhere with a computer could effectively “hug” the other wearing the vest knitted with conductive thread.

And ever so brilliant upon hearing this idea, Mr. X Stitch, suggested that I make a vest using conductive threads and heat sensors that show where someone has given you a hug.

Early days yet, but I’m thinking there will be something going on that relates to hugs, knitting and conductivity in late November. After all, seeing that hugs and knitting are two of my very favorite things, I can think of nothing more fun to work with!

And speaking of mental health and craft, there is a lovely post here over at Resurgence about the connection between the two.

Craftivism, Angela Davis and Craft as Therapy

| Betsy

This lovely image was sent to me by a lovely Swedish woman named Julia who is working on a film about craftivism and DIY. If you have any projects you’d like to share with her, or have ideas on who she could contact in Europe, you can contact her here.

I love this image of Angela Davis that she sent because not only is it beautiful, but it also speaks to the many different ways that people see craftivism. In a word, it’s a celebration. A crafty one, if you will.

Lately I’ve been tooling around with the idea of craftivism for the self, a sort of activism for the self, wherein one can right themselves with creativity and work through various problems, crises, episodes, occasions, etc. etc. I’ve mentioned it over on Twitter a several times and there has been quite popular response to more exploration of healing yourself through craft. (If activism is bettering a cause that you care about, why can’t it not be about yourself? Because in order to best help those -issues and people- that you care about you have to be your best self, no?)

I’ve even wondered about what to call such a thing. Cinnamon suggested perhaps CraftEsteem on Twitter yesterday, which I thought was quite lovely? And I had an idea that I’ve talked with Carrie about regarding depression and solitary confinement in prisons, which is still in a thinky think stage. Maybe you have some good ideas on this, or are interested in hearing more, or just dig the idea that one can do a piece of work featuring Angela Davis and include it in the realm of “craftivism.”

No matter which, I’m glad you’re along with the ride with me after I’ve popped out, cleared my head, and decided about where I want to move forward. Because there are so many people championing craftivism (to name a few with craftivism in the name: Craftivist Collective, Wellington Craftivist Collective, Project Craftivism, Craftivist! AMAZING!) these days (which is mindblowingly awesome) that I needed to take some time out to think about how I can best help this little -ism move forward in the world on the Good Ship Craftivism and I’m thinking that delving more into the therapeutic, psychological, mental health side of things is where I need to go next.

Perhaps you’ll see it fit to join me and/or tell like-minded others?

Love,
Betsy

Craftivism in the News This Week… Suh-weet!

| Betsy

Text from here. Photo from here.

On Monday I got an email, followed by a phone call with Bill Harris who works for the city.

He was very nice, and said the city’s hands were tied and they tried to find a way to keep them — but they have to go.

Councilmember Lorie Zapf is collecting emails of support at loriezapf@sandiego.gov to show community backing and find a way to keep them in Clairemont. Send her your story, and let her know how much you like them!

Bill Harris gave me this statement to post:

The City is forced to announce that the Stop Sign Flowers must come down. Even with the great community spirit this effort has generated, there are just too many restrictions to overcome. City staff looked through state law and local policies trying to find some way of allowing the flowers to remain in place. Unfortunately, particularly with traffic control signs and including all other City assets, there is just no way to retain the works where they now are.

We hope that the flower-makers will work with other site owners – private businesses, other agencies, business improvement districts and community groups – to find new homes for the flowers. This is a fun program that should easily capture the imagination of our communities in other, less restricted, locations.

City crews will not remove any of the installations for the next ten days unless they become a hazard. It is hoped that those who originally installed the flowers will take that time to remove and preserve the work. Following the ten day period, City crews will be instructed to remove and dispose of anything affixed to City assets as it is seen or reported. The yarn and leaf structures cannot be saved when removed by City staff.

I will be available to answer specific questions about the City’s direction via email from billharris@sandiego.gov

For a map of San Diego street flowers go here.

See how you can make more here.

One of the sweetest things about this project is that the self-proclaimed “knitting guy” started to learn to knit “to teach my daughter. She received a “learn to knit” craft kit as a present, but the instructions were sparse and hard to understand. So, I decided to learn how in order to show her. I had thought about learning for a few years, so this was just the push I needed. That was about four years ago, and we have both been knitting off and on since.”

Also, there have been several awesome articles online about craftivism lately:

*Stir to Action piece from the Wellington Craftivism Collective
*Crafting the Future We Want over at Tck Tck Tck
*A lovely interview with the lovely Craftivist Collective over at HUCK magazine

And if that isn’t enough, and you’re STILL feeling crafty, go check out the the Blood Bag Project. Click the pic to see the gallery of submitted blood bags. You can also follow the project’s progress here

Now go and make somethin’ now, won’t ya?

x

How to Properly Celebrate Your First Home.

| Betsy

I discovered this wonderful project from the brilliant Tumblr Project Craftivism.

What struck me most about the Project Craftivism post was the inclusion of Terry Quick’s statement that the uterus is “the room we all came from;” hence, it’s literally our first embrace and introduction to home.

So I clicked the pic, which led me to the following text and photo:

I am asking participants to be a part of The Uterus Flag Project. I discovered this need while doing my MFA- Feminism, Fiber Arts and Craftivism and for my final grad show, July 2012, I’d like to double (want 100 more). My personal political concerns are about the over medicalization of women, and specifically having an unnecessary hysterectomy. There are lots of other concerns regarding women’s health. You have a story, please share! Please participate. Send me your postal address, and I’ll send you a packet!

So if you feel like celebrating your first home, too, consider clicking on the second photo above and getting involved with Terry’s project.

And if you feel like further celebrating everyone’s first home and getting political while doing so, go check out the Snatchel Project over at Goverment-Free VJJ! This project comes from the brilliant talented Donna Druchunas and Annie Modesitt. The knitted womb below is by MK Carroll and is a pattern from Knitty.