Craftivism: Reclaiming Craft & Creating Community

Faythe Levine, the co-proprietor of Paper Boat Boutique and Gallery, is a busy, creative woman. Her book, Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design [1] has just recently hit stores. The documentary by the same name is scheduled to come out early next year. And to top it all off, she has currated a show for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Lawton gallery called "Craftivism: Reclaiming Craft & Creating Community [2]." Running from October 9-30, the show is accompanied by several different DIY events and instructions and features artists working at the intersection of craft activism, feminism, enviromentalism, DIY, and street culture. Ms. Levine was kind enough to answer some of our questions about what craft and community mean to her.

PR: What inspired you to do a show based on activism in the craft world?

FL: My personal interest in the intersection of art and activism is what initially sparked my interest when I first discovered Betsy Greer's website www.craftivism.com [3] in 2004. Since, I have been paying close attention the the use of craft methods and materials playing a role in politically motivated art work and projects.

PR: In your opinion, is the new wave of social minded crafters a mostly new phenomenon, or does it have roots in some previous movements?

FL: Creative expression has always been a way to express resistance, voice opinion and raise awareness. I believe the work coming out of our generation is a part of a time-line of socially aware artists and makers.

PR: How do you try to incorporate what social issues matter to you in your own work?

FL: There are a number of ways I incorporate what social issues matter to me into my own work. Sometimes it is as simple as using recycled materials. Currently, I have four fabric panels up in a show. Each panel has a commissioned crochet runner with a different part of the "Craftifesto" spelled out including two pieces which read, "Craft Is Political" and "Craft Is Powerful". By presenting the viewing audience with these statements I am asking them to consider what may be a new train of thought for them since most do not consider craft a powerful or political act.

PR: Do you have any resources or suggestions for other crafters looking to take their hobby out of the home and into public discourse?

FL: Personally I think finding a community (online and in person) is a great step forward into making anything political, human connection is very powerful. There are a number of online resources for those interested in politically motivated craft and art:
http://craftivism.com [4]
http://www.microrevolt.org/ [5]
http://whipup.net/ [6]
http://justseeds.com [7]
http://lisaanneauerbach.com/ [8]