Craftivism

                                                                  Threads of Change                                                    Silva 2024

The intersection of making and political activism has deep historical roots, where creators have often used their craft to comment on, challenge, and inspire societal change. Makers, whether artisans, artists, or crafters, transform raw materials into objects that can carry profound messages. Craft itself, often dismissed as domestic or trivial, becomes a tool of resistance in the hands of activists. The very act of making can be political—a statement against mass production, corporate control, or societal inequalities.

From quilting in the abolitionist movements to zine-making in feminist and LGBTQ+ activism, makers have used their skills to create spaces for marginalized voices. The handmade item becomes not just a personal expression but a symbol of larger social and political movements. Street art, textile arts, and public installations are modern extensions of this activism, where makers engage directly with their communities and speak to issues like climate change, racism, and social justice.

London Kaye, a renowned yarn artist that created the iconic I'm Speaking (featured above), beautifully captures the spirit of this intersection. She states, “The way I see it, public art has a unique ability to open people’s eyes to a message, without being forceful. It’s about creating moments that inspire action.” Such a great encapsulation of how art and craft, when combined with activism, can spark awareness and create change through subtle yet powerful interventions in public spaces.

There is a groundbreaking event, Makers for Kamala, happening this Sunday at 5:00pm EST. Check it out! 

The Knitting Machine

                                              The Knitting Machine, at the Momentary                      Summer 2023

 “Art can be both intellectually rigorous and conceptually accessible without compromising either value—I think it comes closest to its purpose when it is.” Dave Cole

Today I am looking through photographs from last summer. Specifically time in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a contemporary art space with ever changing experiences. It is an extension of the Crystal Bridges Museum. 

I was quite taken with Dave Cole's Knitting Machine. Using telephone poles as knitting needles and two large excavators as arms, multidisciplinary artist Dave Cole was attempting to create the world’s largest American flag.

It has me thinking about the knitting of an American flag during a contentious election year, and the parallels between the complexity of weaving together diverse threads into a unified whole and the intricate task of bringing together a nation with differing views, values, and aspirations.

Just as Dave Cole’s project used massive, industrial-sized tools to create a single, cohesive piece of art from disparate threads, Labor Day—an occasion that honors the contributions of American workers—serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to build and sustain the nation. In an election year, especially one marked by intense division, the symbolism of knitting a flag underscores the ongoing work of democracy: each stitch, each thread represents the labor, sacrifice, and hope of countless individuals coming together to form a larger, shared identity.

However, just as with knitting, where a single mistake can unravel a large section, the fabric of the nation can also fray under the strain of conflict and discord. Labor Day, provides a moment to reflect on the importance of solidarity, unity, and the shared endeavor of building a country that strives to include all its diverse voices. The act of knitting a flag, especially during a heated election year, symbolizes the delicate balance between individual expression and the collective identity—a balance that, if managed with care, can result in something strong, beautiful, and enduring.