Welcome to NeedleXChange, conversations on the artwork of thread. It’s our podcast through which Jamie “Mr X Sew” Chalmers talks with needlework and textile artists about their observe and course of.
Betsy Greer is a author, speaker and advocate for the advantages of craft as a device for change. In our NeedleXChange interview, Betsy shares how this concept got here to life, how crafting could be a device for empowerment, and why it’s such a strong type of storytelling. Take heed to the complete episode right here.
The Essence of Craftivism
Craftivism, a time period coined over twenty years in the past, blends the artwork of craft with activism. It goals to make use of private creativity to impact social change.
At its core, Betsy defines craftivism as utilizing craft-based expertise, not simply in textiles, however throughout varied types of artistry, to serve a better good. Nevertheless, for Betsy, the important thing isn’t about prescribing a particular methodology or final result. As an alternative, it’s about empowering people to harness their distinctive skills and private histories to have an effect on change in ways in which resonate with them. Craftivism is as a lot about private transformation as it’s about collective activism.
Betsy displays on her private journey with craftivism, emphasizing the profound influence it had on her personal life after experiencing trauma. Craft turned a device for her not simply to precise herself, however to reclaim a way of company, making decisions in an area the place she beforehand felt powerless.
The Layers of Affect
Whereas craftivism is usually seen as a type of protest, Betsy reminds us that its results are layered. There’s the private layer how crafting can change our outlook on the world. There’s additionally a societal and group stage, the place crafting might help begin conversations and slowly shift collective consciousness.
Betsy mentions how, in some instances, crafting for a trigger, like local weather change, might not yield rapid, large-scale change. Nevertheless, it fosters ongoing dialogue and self-reflection, which over time can create ripple results, inspiring others to behave.
Craftivism as an Expression of Alternative
Crafting, particularly within the context of activism, provides the chance to make decisions—an act of empowerment in itself. Betsy explains that whereas conventional types of activism would possibly include predefined guidelines (like protest banners with sure messages), craftivism permits people to create one thing that may be a true reflection of their distinctive perspective.
Whether or not it’s a private protest banner or a bit of textile artwork, every alternative made in the course of the crafting course of turns into an expression of id and a press release on the problem at hand.
Craftivism and the Passage of Time
Textiles, as Betsy notes, are extra than simply craft—they’re artifacts. From household heirlooms to historic tapestries, textiles function a report of non-public and collective historical past. The work created by craftivism as we speak will in the future be a glimpse into our present society, very like the artifacts that replicate the previous.
Discovering Your Voice By way of Craft
One of many key takeaways from the dialog is the ability of inventive expression. Betsy encourages anybody feeling disconnected from their inventive aspect to easily begin. She stresses that craftivism doesn’t require superior expertise, simply the willingness to discover and specific.
By way of tasks like mantra-making workshops or private affirmations, people can start to make use of craft as a device for pleasure, hope, and self-discovery. As Betsy factors out, you by no means know which small act of creativity might turn into a historic artifact sooner or later.
In the end, Betsy’s journey with craftivism emphasizes the profound private influence that crafting for a trigger can have. By discovering methods to precise our voices, even in small, particular person methods, we contribute to a bigger motion. Whether or not it’s a bit of art work shared with a group or a solitary second of inventive reflection, craftivism provides a singular, deeply private method to activism.
In case you are involved in Craftivism, or should you’d wish to see extra of Betsys unimaginable work, you may comply with her on Instagram. Within the meantime, don’t overlook to take heed to our full NeedleXChange interview right here!
Don’t overlook our different episodes of NeedleXChange, which you discover right here!