Photo courtesy of Outdoor Knit. From her site: Disclaimer: I am attempting to draw attention to the fact that both spray graffiti and knit graffiti may not be seen as art by all. Which begs the age old question: What is art?
With all the debate over whether or not we should yarn bomb or not, I’d like to turn your attention to this wonderful blog by Knitsch of Outdoor Knit (New Zealand) where she lists the reason why she yarn bombs:
I have many reasons why i do it – the main reasons are:
1. to show people that knitting isn’t just for nanas, and the traditional perception of it being boring is well out dated. I knit because it challenges me, makes me think, and allows me to make beautiful fabric. Knitting tags is almost all i do now because i can try out new ideas, play, and make mistakes.
2. to show the ‘boys’ with the spraycans (and all ‘traditional’ graffiti detractors) that graffiti also isn’t what it used to be, and that girls should have just as much kudos for what they do in the field. Graffiti is art (i won’t go into detail about where i think the lines are) and so is craft – something that has a rep for not being ‘art’ either.
We’re challenging stereotypes. OutdoorKnit didn’t come up with the concept, but we like to do our part. Plus, i’m all about the positive – we need to encourage each other to try something different, to be ourselves, and explore our environment. Whatever that may be.
Hear, hear!
Art is when it is created with the intent to be art, whether it is good or not is up to the beholder. I think too often art is dismissed based on personal taste,.IF personal taste was the criteria not much would be considered art. Not all of us like kincaide, or monet, or moore.
THere is no universal law that states tagging is confined to one medium or one style, nor is there a universal law that states yarn be used for ONE purpose or that the street arts belong to one segment of the population.
My mum said during the early feminist era in the 60′s knitting and embroidery were rejected and it never occurred to her it could be used to make such a wonderful political and social statement.
I am 53 year old artist who got tired of the elitism in the art world and being told the shoulds and should nots, so I became a Jafa (just another f&%^$ing Artist) with an attitude. I LOVE how young women are saying poo to the rest of the world and taking an old craft and turning it on its heels.
thanks for sharing, and inspiring so many, young and old, breaking the mold and saying it with yarn.
Being an art history geek (with the paper to prove it), I am a strong believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. ‘Experts’ can wax poetic all they like about the qualities of art, but I think it all comes down what you like.
The question i always ask first is: Is it pretty? Does it give me a strong emotional reaction? Does it make me think about all the questions and answers and dilemmas?
Hmm. I could rant on for ages, but I shan’t. Thanks for post!
I just wanted to drop you a note to say that I think the upcoming book is fabulous! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! September seems so far away.
I just did a post about yarnbombing (the book & blog) on my blog luvinthemommyhood (www.mackcook.blogspot.com)
I used to live in Van and thought it would be great to write a piece about such a fantastic movement.
I have been knitting since I was old enough to hold two sticks and a piece of yarn, so pooie (insert curse word here..haha) to those who think knitting is for nana’s only and pooie (oops another curse word) to those who think that graffiti isn’t a form of art.
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
hey now, outdoor knit and jafabrit don’t forget us crafty boys out there knitting and sewing. I already get enough crap from my friends, but i tell ‘em i sew while drinking beer and watching james bond. Real men sew dang it! haha.
ugh, shame on me sewjaboy, you are right. I owe you a beer mate
Let me rephrase that. I LOVE what ALL you young men and women are doing turning a craft on its heels and breaking stereotypes.
Hooray!
Aw SewJaBoy, you know that we adore you and all the other guys out there who are into the textile crafts.
I love the debates that these posts turned out to have – I’m really happy that we’re out there sparking some dialogue about these sorts of things. Jafabrit and Knitsch – both your perspectives are really valuable. Keep making!
I am 5. My babysitter taught me to knit. I can still see how my feet just barely hang over the edge of the sofa with me tucked into its fold and I have these (k)needles growing this netted yarn thing and my own late 1940′s style knitting bag by my side. My first fiber memory! Well, at 19 I became a weaver. Hooked absolutely by the beauty and sensuality of the YARNS!!!!! So a yarn junkie I became. I have so much yarn, of all kinds and colors, that at 66 I realize I’ll never be able to use it all even if I retain my manual dexterity until I’m 100+! You have given me an idea! I could design (I crochet nowadays) a slipcover to dress up some sterile modern skyscraper or other. Can I get a grant? Do one of those large landscape things like What’s-his-Name. You know, the guy with the Yellow Umbrellas across the Tehachapie Mountains in California.
That’s probably my only way out of my overabundance dilemma.
I love what you’re doing. It’s fun. And yarn is so entertaining to the eye, with so many varied, wonderful tactile visuals.
I think this looks AMAZING but think it is such a waste. Why not use the yarn to make sweaters, hats, etc for those in need?
This is so great! I’ve been knitting for a while and mostly give everything away. I work in theatre and for our kids show “The House at Pooh Corner” I knit what I call a pogo koozie for Tigger’s pogo stick. our costume shop dyed it to match his sweater and it really made the pogo stick look like it belonged to him instead of just being a pogo stick. I’m always thinking of new things to knit and have seen amazing things that people come up with. Yarn Bombing may be my new favorite hobby!
As I looked at this picture and the one below it from the excerpt and I was flabbergasted. I found this picture of a young tree dressed up as if it were expected to be at a tea party or something. I’m not going to lie. The first words out of my mouth were “what the hell are you doing to that tree?!” I understand what the artists are trying to do, but I can’t help but in dismay for these poor trees. I comprehend the ideas of trying to bring about a positive way of thinking toward tagging and stop all the stereotyping being done; however I’m not fond of the way it’s being done. Sure, it’s better than it could be but still. I think what people don’t realize is that although the original graffiti may not have been everyone’s favorite form of art but comparatively it’s not as harmful in nature. Original graffiti wasn’t considered art by the majority because it was mostly vandalism and yet the paint itself never hurt anyone while the yarn although less controversial due to its origins is more harmful in this nature. As every gardener or botanist, if you prefer the title, should know the only time you wrap your tree is when trying to keep deer from rubbing on them. The reason why is from the risk of suffocating the tree. How is a tree suppose to grow is it’s confined. The tree in the picture isn’t even an old tree. It’s at most twenty (20) years old. Imagine being forced into a sweater that you can’t take off until someone cuts it off or until it withers itself away. Despite the fact that the knitting is meant to be an art form and will over time stretch and break down it can still hurt the tree and the surrounding animals such as squirrels who may not be able to climb the tree with the knitting or may choke on the fabric. One may find it is sad that when looking at those pictures instead of seeing a beautiful art work I merely see a poor tree forced to dress up and possibly suffocating but can’t help it. If I were there I’d probably have to stop myself from taking it off. The knitting in itself is a nice idea but find another way to “improve” the landscape. Trees are art in themselves. My note to these artists would be keep your art off mother nature’s art.
Oh and I agree with Lucy. Can’t you put your talent to better use. I understand the need for art but can’t you help in the same process?