Craftivism is the new graffiti don’t you know......
Here’s my art prediction for the next decade …the next big thing in the UK will be craftivism. Like our fellow graffiti artists we will take our art on to the streets, but unlike our graffitist counterparts we have a stated mission. Ours is “To expose the scandal of global poverty, and human rights injustices though the power of craft and public art. This will be done through provocative, non-violent creative actions." –taken from the Craftivist Collect website. Craftivism is already spreading across the globe and has a large growing army of activists in Australia, USA and Canada. The term craftivism was coined in 2003 by writer Betsy Greer in order to join the separate spheres of craft and activism. She states “craftivism is a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite”
I myself, am part of the West London renegade potters infantry, who’s motto is ‘Born to Kiln’, otherwise known as the Treatment Rooms Collective.
There is of course many other such units scattered across the country, from guerilla knitters, anarchy glass blowers to radical cross stitchers to name but a few. Our numbers are growing and we invite you to join us.
If you want to know more, I have put up a list of websites in my links section where you can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of craftivism. Come on in, the water’s lovely…
The picture is of 'Masks with messages' by the Craftivist Collective.
For more on the Craftivist collective
