A rug hooker from Colorado, who I have never met in the real world, shared a post a while ago which really connected with me. Like many other fibre artists in the United States, she was looking for a way to express her anger and concern for the things that are happening to her country - and others - under the new administration.
She decided to say what she was feeling in her fibre art form, rug hooking. And not only did she create pieces, she invited other fibre artist to join her in her Art Coalition The list of other artists continues to grow.
At first, I didn't think I had a message to share, although my concern for the affect on Canada is indeed profound. And after sitting with my thoughts for a while, I came up with a thought, and a design. The whole discussion of making Canada the 51st state is so repugnant to me. I am so happyp I found a way to say that in a mat.
I have just finished hooking it and, as always, the fibre gives it so much more dimension, and more power to the visual. I shared it with the founder of the coalition today. She incorporated it into a video/reel that she shared on the Coalition's Instagram page. To see it, and lots of other powerful messages, go to the Art Coalition link that I shared at the top of this post.
If you are inspired by what you see, and want to take part, there are a couple of initiatives that are open to one and all. There was a discussion about how we feel when working on these political pieces. And most agree that all the emotions are there: anger, fear, hopelessness, but also a sense of empowerment. It is kind of cathartic.
I am not done yet. My next project is to hook a 5x5 square that will become part of an 8x12 foot abstract flag.
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