Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti
by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
This was a very fun book that I happened to find at the library. It was so interesting that I didn't want to throw it in with my regular monthly book log, because there are too many fun pictures that I'd have to skip.
The contemporary yarn bombing movement really took off when a tree sweater, knit by Seattle resident Erica Barcott, was featured on the cover of local alternative newspaper, The Stranger. Apparently Ms. Barcott saw a sad, lonely, wet tree in her neighborhood and decided it needed a sweater to stay warm. People saw the tree sweater and were so taken with it that it inspired other tree sweaters, parking meter cozies, bike rack decorations, and all sorts of unusual fiber arts for public enjoyment.
There are dozens of individual knitters and crochet artists involved, as well as small and large groups who dedicate hours of time to crazy cool projects. This tree cozy was knit by artist Carol Hummel and was on display from 2005-2008 in front of Cleveland Heights, Ohio's city hall. Clearly, not all yarn bombing is of the covert, guerrilla version.
Urban artist Magda Sayed of the group Knitta Please attaches a "tag" (yarn bombing word for a piece of knit graffiti) to a parking meter.
One really stunning piece featured in Yarn Bombing was the knit motorcycle created by fiber artist Theresa Honeywell. Talk about an unusual application of the traditional art of knitting.
Although these works are impressive, my favorite group of yarn bombers is Knitted Landscape. The pieces they knit are small and could almost be overlooked, but once you notice them they totally capture your attention and imagination. Let me give you some examples so you can see how utterly delightful this type of yarn bombing can be.
Isn't it funny how, once you learn of something new, you see it all over the place? Like when we went up to Indy for a wedding a couple weeks ago we saw a beaded sweater around the leg of an end table in the church. Collin also said that he saw a piece on the pipe of a urinal in the men's restroom! I wish he'd taken a picture. Then, suddenly, we noticed a piece of yarn bombing in our own neighborhood!
Don't you love Annie's mischievous little smile? I'm afraid I might have a baby prankster on my hands.
Conclusion: Yarn Bombing
is a very fun read and an interesting idea. I love some of the ways these artists have used knitting and crocheting to brighten up the urban landscape and bring whimsy to nature. I laughed so much while looking at the pictures, and was constantly telling Collin, "you've got to see THIS one!" But really, it seems like a lot of time to spend on something that doesn't do a whole lot of good. Personally, I'll stick to making more useful items, although I hope to remember and remain inspired by the whimsy and creativity of the artists in yarn bombing.
Overall rating: 4/5 stars
by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
The contemporary yarn bombing movement really took off when a tree sweater, knit by Seattle resident Erica Barcott, was featured on the cover of local alternative newspaper, The Stranger. Apparently Ms. Barcott saw a sad, lonely, wet tree in her neighborhood and decided it needed a sweater to stay warm. People saw the tree sweater and were so taken with it that it inspired other tree sweaters, parking meter cozies, bike rack decorations, and all sorts of unusual fiber arts for public enjoyment.
There are dozens of individual knitters and crochet artists involved, as well as small and large groups who dedicate hours of time to crazy cool projects. This tree cozy was knit by artist Carol Hummel and was on display from 2005-2008 in front of Cleveland Heights, Ohio's city hall. Clearly, not all yarn bombing is of the covert, guerrilla version.
Urban artist Magda Sayed of the group Knitta Please attaches a "tag" (yarn bombing word for a piece of knit graffiti) to a parking meter.
Yarn bombing can take many forms, and people have really let their imaginations go wild! This bus cozy in Mexico City is also the creation of Magda Sayed. Isn't it amazing?!
One really stunning piece featured in Yarn Bombing was the knit motorcycle created by fiber artist Theresa Honeywell. Talk about an unusual application of the traditional art of knitting.
Although these works are impressive, my favorite group of yarn bombers is Knitted Landscape. The pieces they knit are small and could almost be overlooked, but once you notice them they totally capture your attention and imagination. Let me give you some examples so you can see how utterly delightful this type of yarn bombing can be.
A fire ring at Glassillaun Ireland
Mushrooms in a field at La Foce (France?)
Diamond Hill at Connemara National Park, Ireland
Mushrooms sprouting from a wall at the Glasgow School of Art, Scotland
Isn't it funny how, once you learn of something new, you see it all over the place? Like when we went up to Indy for a wedding a couple weeks ago we saw a beaded sweater around the leg of an end table in the church. Collin also said that he saw a piece on the pipe of a urinal in the men's restroom! I wish he'd taken a picture. Then, suddenly, we noticed a piece of yarn bombing in our own neighborhood!
Don't you love Annie's mischievous little smile? I'm afraid I might have a baby prankster on my hands.
Conclusion: Yarn Bombing
is a very fun read and an interesting idea. I love some of the ways these artists have used knitting and crocheting to brighten up the urban landscape and bring whimsy to nature. I laughed so much while looking at the pictures, and was constantly telling Collin, "you've got to see THIS one!" But really, it seems like a lot of time to spend on something that doesn't do a whole lot of good. Personally, I'll stick to making more useful items, although I hope to remember and remain inspired by the whimsy and creativity of the artists in yarn bombing.Overall rating: 4/5 stars
2 comments:
An Uncertain Someone said...
Wow, I love that! Thanks for sharing this phenomonon with us, Kara! I will keep an eye out for yarn bombing. I would probably try it myself too, if I were better at knitting =D
JafaBrit's Art said...
ACtually you would be suprised but it has done a lot of good. In many more ways than I can express on one comment. It has made local children laugh, and cheered up the seniors at the senior center in town, brought tourists to town, and even been a source of joy to a visually impaired man we gave a tour to who likes to touch our knit graffiti in town. the memorial bench and felt flowers outside a local shops brought joy and comfort to families whose loved one's we did it for. So in a way it has been very useful, just not in the traditional sense. SO glad you enjoyed the book :)