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! 

Roe V. Wade Struck Down

 Saturday many people gathered at the Supreme Court to protest the Roe vs. Wade SCOTUS decision. On this day I did not see too many in favor of the ruling...I am imagine as the days go by the crowds will be a constant.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation shortly after the decision was released. "Voters need to make their voices heard," Biden said, calling on them to elect candidates that will restore the right to an abortion at the congressional and local level. "This fall Roe is on the ballot. Personal freedoms are on the ballot. The right to privacy, liberty, equality, they're all on the ballot."

Elections have consequences. 

VOTE.VOTE.VOTE.VOTE.VOTE.VOTE.

Women's Right to Vote Exhibition

 The Del Ray Artisans opened a new show today, A Women's Right to Vote: 100 Years Since the 19th Amendment. The exhibition runs from November 6th through the 28th. As a new member to the group, I am thrilled to have three artworks in the show! 

                                                                                                            Vote Lady

It has proven to be quite a historical week in our country. There is still no definitive call on our Presidential election. The country is weary and on edge. 

                                                               Pandemic Vote 2020

We will soon know what our next four years will look like...it is my hope that we will welcome the first female Vice President to the White House. It is long overdue, and our country would benefit from a woman's tenacity and intuition.

                                                                                                                          1920-2020

Del Ray Artisan Gallery Hours: 

Thursday  Noon - 6 pm 

Friday      Noon - 6 pm  

Saturday  Noon - 4 pm

*Always free admission. Accessible facility. 

Vote Lady, Vote!

Did you know 2020 is the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting the women's right constitutional right to vote. Plan how you will vote this year to celebrate this momentous anniversary!

Relief Masks

Printmaking in the sun room

So, today I set up in the sun room for printmaking. I walked inside for just a minute and Molly (my cat) decided I needed a studio assistant. She was so curious, sniffing everything and batting at the the tubes of paint. I have a feather I like to use in my prints  and she found it immediately and started playing with it. 

 Today I was just getting reacquainted with gelli (gelatin) printing. It has a been a little bit since I have explored the medium. I used stencils, some I made and others I had from previous art endeavors. Old photos are great to use as stencil paper, it is durable and up for the reuse. 

Earlier this week I picked up several Priority Mail stickers from the post office. These will make for excellent smaller prints and could serve as additional layers to other prints. I also printed on mailing envelopes, that I will eventually send off through the mail. 

After a few hours working and experimenting my assistant decided it was time to clean up. I will put it away for tonight and look at all the work with fresh eye tomorrow.

Making Art & Sheltering in Place

Making art while sheltering in place has grown into an opportunity to push boundaries, coerce a pragmatic approach to making art by "making it work" accepting that creatively solving design problems with the readily available tool rather than the perfect tool.

A sewing needle is a great alternative if you do not have an awl. Rulers or ID cards are an alternative to a bone folder.

The isolation has ignited a freedom to make changes that otherwise would not have presented themselves. My summer goal is to create a prolific studio space and to document the process of what making art entails. The documentation will also serve as digital resources for other art teachers. 

Now more that ever art is a catalyst to promoting change. These last two weeks have illuminated, actually ignited a desperate need for change. Artists that fuel their craft with activism are often the mirror reflecting our times.

The research will begin with reading On Tyranny an hors d'ourve to my inquiry.The nation is preparing for an election in November and voting will be more important than ever. Mail in ballots have been a source of discussion as a result of the pandemic. The US Postal Service finds itself in a precarious spot, and I want to learn more about absentee voting and the mail in ballot system, so that is where I will launch my probe. 

The cover is paper that I marbled and has been just waiting for the right book to cover.