When do we stop?

First up - CNN! Been meaning to post this for ages, but here it is. Go stiX and the heart fence!

now the thoughtful bit-

Of late i've struggled with whether or not to continue with knit graffiti.

My concept of what knit graffiti is, and why I do it, is pretty strong. I want to challenge, inspire, and do the unexpected. Not only have I not felt that i've been achieving this of late, but the amount of 'knit graffiti' has jumped dramatically.

So I had a conversation with my mother (as you do) about why and how and if. We considered the definition of what I call 'knit graffiti' with 'knit tags'. There are the pieces that are put up because they look pretty, and those that are saying something. The knitted squares that go on trees because it is 'fun', and the carefully considered statement pieces put up to prove that craft can be art.

On the third hand, there are the 'installations' - crafted tags attached with the blessing of an authority, be it in public or in a gallery.

Personally I want to progress OutdoorKnit to keep saying stuff, but say it differently, to continue to find new and different ways to stand up for craft and feminism and thought-provoking public art. Having decided this, I was happy to continue, albeit quietly for the time being.

This week friend in Ireland sent me the link to the video below. I watched it, rolled my eyes and went back to those original thoughts. You can't get more mass media than Vodafone, really.

What's the point if it is mainstream and no longer seen as subversive? And then I thought of Banksy, and even the Wellington graffiti crew who continue to inspire despite the fact graffiti is seen more and more as 'mainstream'. They keep going, so, dammit, will I. But my work will be more considered and carefully crafted. And i'm going to keep saying stuff.

Who's with me?

Spreading the love

This fence was beautified by the students of Miramar South school after I met one of the teachers when we were mid-crafting on Vivian Street. I love that the idea was taken on and that they added their own touch, each student thinking about something they loved about school, their family, or themselves and then weaving each story into the heart. That fence holds a lot of love!

I've heard there are some hearts also at Thorndon School? I'd love it if someone could send me a photo sometime.

Anyway, here's the deal. I have something in the pipelines for Valentine's Day in conjunction with the uber talented and totally inspiring Knitty Graffitty. But then I thought about it and decided I should get more people in on it... so... I want hearts. Tonnes of 'em!

I ask you (very very nicely) to get hold of a little bit of yarn, wrap it on to a bobbin of sorts (we used an ice cream container cut up into 3cm x 3cm squares), carry it in your handbag or pocket, and go fence hunting.

I would absolutely love to post pictures of hearts woven on fences from around New Zealand... nay! The world!

Do you think you can do it? Get out with a group and make people smile!

Dedicate a heart to your loved one for Valentine's Day. I'm not sure I buy into it usually, but it seems a good enough day as any to express some love to your friends or family.

Pxt 'em through to me on 021 2678658 or email nikki@outdoorknit.com and I'll put them up here. Feel free to include a message if you want and I'll put it up with the photo.