Craftivism

Craftivism is such a lovely word: It's craft plus activism, meaning the process of creating and sharing art that speaks a political or social message. Writer and activist Betsy Greer coined the term in 2003, and since then it has spread around the world. 

Many activists share testimonials about how engaging in craftivism has changed their lives, making them calmer and happier people. As an introvert, activism is often a painful challenge; my leadings take me to uncomfortable places- into prisons, and speaking at city council meetings. In between these challenging moments I get to rest with a paintbrush, or a needle and thread.

My crafting makes my activism sustainable; it allows me to slow down, think deeply about issues, and share my passion creatively. It’s a way to voice my opinions visually, and with great power; to use my special powers for the greater good!

Agenda Today:

1. Read "Creativity Takes Courage"

2. Evaluate my creativity habits

3. Discern some craftivism

4. Do the smallest thing

1. Read "Creativity Takes Courage":

I'm reading this beautiful book by Irene Smit and Astrid van Der Hulse (2018) with the subtitle of Dare to Think Differently. Every page is a work of art.

Chapter 11 is Dare to Be Quiet. (What a wild idea!) They list out some ways to incorporate silence into your days: Walks or rides in nature, a silent retreat, journalling, meditation, reflection, and quiet artwork.

2. Evaluate my creativity habits:

Once a week I try to take stock of my creative habits: 

Have I launched into a large creative project, one worth exhausting myself on, and if not, why? 

Have I constructed a schedule for my creative work and am I keeping to it? 

Do I set goals at the beginning of each week? 

Do I have a daily routine that that supports my creative efforts?

 

Journal: I'm still clearing and organizing my studio, but the kids have been in several times poking around - in a good way. Next week I want to take some time to look at old artwork and unfinished projects and get some inspiration. I especially want to launch into some craftivism!

3. Discern some craftivism:

Craftivism includes any “crafty” art, such as cross-stitch, knitting, stamp or screen-printing, and banner painting. Craftivism is often a social event, with people working together to make something beautiful and impactful. What I like best is that as I craft I'm not only expressing my hope for social change, but also creating a quiet space for myself to regain a sense of power and purpose.

I see three steps in the process: Craftivists have to think of the message they want to share, and a visual way to represent it; then they need to create it; and then get it into a public space.

• Work on my Coat of Many Earth Colors - a walking poster.
• Design a "trout friendly" clean water tag to hang around town.
• Sew badges for change - embroidery and /or stamping.
• Paint peace rocks for International Peace Day.
• Host a craftivism sewing day, or painting day.
• Design a banner to paint together - Clean Air? Clean Water?

5. Do the smallest thing:

Eric Maisel has many suggestions for managing creative anxiety. Doing the smallest thing is a great way to make courageous creative work less frightening. In "The Sweet Spot", Christine Carter suggests finding the "minimum effective dose", the amount of work that keeps me challenged and joyful, and if I keep at it will get me to the finish line on time. The key is to create a pace and schedule that keeps me excited to get up in the morning, and feels ridiculously easy (so I will do it): It's effective but not stressful.

Today I will list specific goals for this week's creative projects and what to complete each day, and also itemize the preparation steps on a check list. My creative projects plan this week:

Saturday: Sew fern pocket on Earth Coat

Sunday: Design a trout-friendly clean water tag

Monday: Paint butterflies in bathroom

Tuesday: River painting

Wednesday: River painting

Thursday: Cut and sew sleeves on coat.

Friday: Sew sleeves on coat