This is Craftivism! Some Examples of the Practice
We’ve recently been debating the definition of craftivism here on Crafting a Green World.
While that particular debate is carried on, it’s also worth looking at some of the works of those who practice craftivism. These are works that are created across the globe and for all imaginable political/environmental/social/moral stances.
In fact, all of them really only have one thing in common:
- They’re created by craftivists.
- A Lonely Craftivist blogs from London about her work that is often centered on social justic or fair trade issues. Among other projects, she puts tiny little protest banners on park benches and decorates cupcakes with fair trade slogans.
- Knitters made the news when they knitted 100 helmet liners to give to senators to pass on to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan as a statement that they support the soldiers, but not the war.
- Offering images that are definitely heavy on the art, Conceptual Metalsmithing offers a socio-historical model of craftivism, in which an individual engages in creating culturally rich experiences, primarily through altruistic contribution.
- Etsy seller Radical Rags creates works in her shop to benefit victims of the Australian bushfires, and works that are eco-activist, such as alternative energy needlepoints and eco-goth stitch patterns.
- Handmade for Life blogs about her works and the works of others who support issues like autism awareness using handmade jewelry and who oppose abortion using embellished onesies.
Do you know of an example of a craftivist work? Post a link in the comments section!
Hiya
We’ve built a wiki to archive all the awesome craft activism out there http://radicalcrossstitch.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page tere’s heaps of stuff in there and it’s constantly growing. We’re always looking for people to add stuff, and it’s a wiki so anyone can DiY!
xox
After following the debate in the previous post, I have to say that I really appreciate that you showed examples from crafters on both sides of the issues. Particularly putting in an example from a pro-life group, after seeing how the definition that was being used for craftivism in the other post seemed to indicate more of a liberal stance on such things. Bravo on a well-rounded post!
Yep, I appreciate this post as well. Thanks for putting both sides up.
Am in the beginning stages, but am putting together photos of craftivism over here: documenting.craftivism.com and would love to have both sides of the political aisle!
Aw, thanks! Especially if we consider ourselves craftivists, I think it can be really inspiring to see the work that other craftivists are doing in a variety of topics, on all sides of an issue.
It’s one of my plans at some point to do a study of examples of craftivism, and an analysis of these physical works–how a craftivist uses a particular material or skill set on a particular medium to create a particular message, etc.
It would also be interesting to do a study of other, applicable forms–activism, fine art, outsider art, political messaging, advertising–and how they could be incorporated into craftivism to better affect the message.
A great example: http://bags4darfur.blogspot.com/