When art meets activism
I’ve just received my copy of “Crafting a Better World” by Diana Weymar! She’s the founder of the Tiny Pricks Project on Instagram. That got me thinking about art and activism or craftivism, as it’s now called.
Art has long been a powerful tool for social change, and in recent years, a new form of activism has emerged that combines creativity with advocacy: craftivism. This unique approach uses handicrafts to address social and political issues, offering a gentler, more contemplative form of protest.
The rise of craftivism
Sarah Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collective, has been at the forefront of this movement. In her book "How to be a Craftivist: The Art of Gentle Protest," Corbett explores the concept of using craft as a means of activism. She advocates for a "gentle protest" approach, which is slow, attractive, kind, and deeply engaging.
Corbett's method focuses on using craft to provoke thought about social change. By slowing down the process of activism through handicrafts, participants are encouraged to reflect more deeply on issues and engage in meaningful conversations.
One of the key principles of craftivism is the idea of "slow activism." As Corbett explains in her book, "Don't forget to be the tortoise. Breathe. Slow down." This approach allows for more thoughtful, strategic, and nuanced forms of protest. By taking the time to create something by hand, activists can engage more fully with the issues they care about and develop more effective strategies for change.
Crafting for change: The Tiny Pricks Project
The Tiny Pricks Project, created and curated by Diana Weymar, has emerged as a powerful form of artistic activism in recent years. This public art project invites contributors from around the world to stitch Donald Trump's words into vintage textiles, creating a material record of his presidency and the movement against it.
The project began on January 8, 2018, when Weymar stitched the phrase "I am a very stable genius" into a piece of her grandmother's abandoned needlework from the 1960s. What started as a personal endeavor quickly grew into a global movement, with thousands of participants contributing their own pieces. The project is detailed in the book "Crafting a Better World." The result is a visually striking and thought-provoking collection of works that challenge viewers to engage with political discourse in a new way.
The impact of craftivism
Craftivism has proven to be an effective tool for change. Corbett's work has helped influence laws and business policies, demonstrating that quiet action can indeed speak as powerfully as the loudest voice. The Craftivist Collective has been involved in successful campaigns, such as encouraging Marks and Spencer to pay a living wage to 50,000 of their staff.
One of the beauties of craftivism is its accessibility. As Corbett notes, "Our gentle craftivism is for everyone wherever you are in the world: from skilled crafters to burnt out activists, introverts, highly sensitive people, people struggling with anxiety and those people who want to challenge injustice in the world but don't know what to do."
Art and craft have the power to change the world, one stitch at a time. By embracing craftivism, activists can engage in a form of protest that is not only effective but also nurturing and reflective. As we face complex global challenges, perhaps it's time we all picked up a needle and thread and joined the gentle revolution.
Sources:
How to be a Craftivist, Sarah Corbett
Crafting a Better World, Diane Weymar
