Craftivism
Introduction
According to wikipedia (Feb 2018), “Craftivism is a form of activism, typically incorporating elements of anti-capitalism, environmentalism, solidarity, or third-wave feminism, that is centered on practices of craft - or what can traditionally be referred to as "domestic arts". Craftivism includes, but is not limited to, various forms of needlework including yarn-bombing or cross-stitch. Craftivism is a social process of collective empowerment, action, expression and negotiation. In craftivism, engaging in the social, performative and critical discourse around the work is central to its production and dissemination (Carpenter, 2010). Practitioners are known as craftivists.”
“Social craft action. Craft activism. Craftivism. Along with answering to various names, I also tend to talk about the intrinsic connection between craft and activism no matter what name it’s given. I also believe that craftivism is about more than “craft” and “activism” -- it’s about making your own creativity a force to be reckoned with. The moment you start thinking about your creative production as more than just a hobby or “women’s work,” and instead as something that has cultural, historical and social value, craft becomes something stronger than a fad or trend.” (Knitchicks (2006), retrieved March 2020).
See also:
- Arts-based research
Projects
Brode-moi un mouton, a student project using embroidery to engage refugees with locals. Differences in representations are often sources of misunderstanding between individuals and/or communities. Influences related to age, gender and social origin pushes people too often to "live between similar". The project aims engage people from communities rarely in contact to collaborate around an embroidery project.
Bibliography
- Carpenter, Ele. 2010. Activist Tendencies in Craft. in Cox, Geoff, Tom Trevor, and Nav Haq. "Concept Store# 3: Art, Activism and Recuperation." (2010)., http://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/3109
- Greer, B. 2006. “Craftivism in Three Parts.” Accessed September 19, 2006, http://acechick.typepad.com/knitchicks_features/craftivism_in_three_parts/index.html .
- Rackham, Melinda (2010). Coders, Crafters and Cooks: Melinda Rackham, Craftivism, Arnolfini, Bristol. RealTime issue #95 Feb-March 2010 pg. 51. Available at: http://www.realtimearts.net/article/95/9771
- Bratich, Jack Z. and Heidi M. Brush, “Fabricating Activism: Craft-work, Popular Culture, Gender,” Utopian Studies 22, no. 2 (2011): 233-260. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/utopianstudies.22.2.0233
- Bratich, Jack; Bush, Heidi (2011). "Fabricating Activism: Craft Work, Popular Culture, Gender". Project Muse. 22 (2). https://www.academia.edu/1117424/Fabricating_Activism_Craft-Work_Popular_Culture_Gender
- Sabella, J. 2006. “Craftivism: Is Crafting the New Activism?” Columbia Chronicle (Online Edition). http://www.columbiachronicle.com/paper/arts.php?id=2251 (dead link).
Links
- http://craftivism.com
- Craftivism (Wikipedia).