(Hartford) The Knitty Gritty Committee’s recent installation outside the Charter Oak Cultural Center…
I love that this group exists and is taking direct action to beautify their neighborhood and remind us all that our cialis sale streets are alive. From their mission statement posted on their blog, the Knitty Gritty Committee (KGC) seeks to “…bring art, personality and beauty to sterile environments. This opportunity allows us to make a statement against hard, cold, masculine culture by taking a widely-viewed warm and cozy feminine past-time to the streets.”
Awesome!
Unfortunately, at the end of their statement they take a jab (I’ll assume inadvertently) at people who are homeless by referring to such folks as “bums”, further perpetuating the stereotype that people who don’t have a home or a job, are lazy. Also, I have to take issue with their description that implies most graffiti is about destruction. It seems the KGC folx are trying to distinguish themselves from other street artists who are unfairly tagged (pun intended) as vandals, but personally I see both forms as legitimate public art.
No need to make enemies or draw lines in the sand KGC…It could be your group next that is compared to arsonists, such as State Senator John Fonfara did recently in an interview with The Hartford News describing graffiti artists. Street artists of all stripes (and their supporters) need to stand together and continue to challenge societies notions of what art is or where it belongs.
Anyway, I really appreciate and admire what you do and hope y’all keep up the great work!
UPDATE: Since the posting of this article, KGC’s mission statement has been updated and now reads:
“The Knitty Gritty Committee is the one and only Hartford yarn bombing chapter. Our influences came from Houston’s Knitta, and they deserve credit for the concept.
Yarn bombing is a type of street art which employs colorful displays of hand-made textiles placed in an urban landscape. Like most graffiti, yarn bombing isn’t about destruction, but bringing art, personality and beauty to sterile environments. This opportunity allows us to make a statement against hard, cold, masculine culture by taking a widely-viewed warm and cozy feminine past-time to the streets. Perhaps we’ll even bring some “mother” nature to Hartford.
Our targets include many objects in need of sweaters: trees, lamp posts, fire hydrants, fences, benches, monuments, statues, railings, and other urban objects.
All are welcome – male/female, crocheter/knitter.
Even if you don’t know how to knit, all you need is a willingness to learn. We also appreciate scrap yarn donations for those unable to participate in the stitching process.For those worried about the loss or damage of a finely knit product – don’t fret. Think of it as a public service or arts donation. Odds are you’ll make someone’s day!”
The Knitty Gritty Committee is AWESOME. They’ve put up some amazing stuff all over the area. I definitely recommend checking out their site.
They’ve put some beautiful pieces up at the memorial where Henry Dang was killed.
http://knittygrittycommittee.blogspot.com/
I love the Dr. Strangelove reference. But I also think the “bum” thing at the end is unfortunate. Be cool if folks took down the knitting-art and made them into sweaters for the night if they need them. Anyone know folks involved with the project?
Hey guys, thanks for the support. Two things:
We love all kinds of graffiti, and have participated in different forms. We state, “Like most graffiti, yarn bombing isn’t about destruction, but bringing art, personality and beauty to sterile environments.” There’s nothing like a splash of bright paint on a slab of concrete. I happen to find Hartford graffiti exceptional. Big ups to PH crew.
And about the bum thing… no harm was meant by that. We are all very involved with our communities and do not discriminate. If more people are interested in joining our group, we’d love to have a clothes drive!
We meet 7pm at Real Art Ways this Wednesday. There will be vegan cookies!
Thanks again!
KGC
The KGC keep it real. 1) I know them personally and in no way do they perpetuate the stereotype that people who don’t have a home or a job, are lazy. That is the writers opinion not the truth. 2)Being someone who has been a part of the graffiti world…., here it is they are bombers! They are not doing pieces or burners which is mostly a peaceful situation with friends or for a business or what ever……..but back to the point Yes mostly all graffiti is destruction. Quantity over quality I always say! The graffiti that is mostly seen is on the street on someone property. Its destruction. I hate to say it myself but it is. Much love.
Now I like art as much as the next person. In fact I like art so much it was my main occupation for years on end. Art this and art that. Wake up art go to bed art.
A few years back I remember an artist who had a show here in Hartford. My memory doesn’t serve me all that well but I know she had knitted quite a number of red sweaters which after the show were given to kids whose mothers were domestically abused. It was a very powerful piece, not only serving art, bringing the cozy feminine past time out against the cold masculine, but serving the people.
So Knitty Gritty a clothes drive, you say?. How about this challenge. Get down and knit 100 hats, mittens, gloves or scarves for the poor of Hartford. So much better to warm a person than to warm a telephone pole and other objects.
Now don’t get me wrong I get your art and think its nice but lets take it one step further. Just think of all the beautiful folks walking around Hartford with your art works keeping them warm.
Very warming indeed, very much art for these terrible times.
This is a great idea. However, we are few and rely heavily on donated fibers. Yarn is not cheap and as of now we only have a handful of core members. Don’t get us wrong – we would love to have a fundraiser to make this possible, we just need more support. Know anyone with a heap of scrap yarn? I’ll take it.
I also am in the process of creating blankets for the babies of the St. Francis NICU. If anyone is interested in this, let me know and I can give you dimensions.
Just to be clear…
I had no intention or desire to call anyone out or make anyone feel embarrassed…It was just a couple of observations and I don’t think KGC itself is “perpetuating” anything negative.
Again, much love to you all!
PS. I’m a crappy knitter/crocheter, but would totally be down to help hang pieces around town if y’all need extra hands.
I also feel the need to make myself clear. From the first day, months ago when I saw the yarn bomb over on Capitol Ave. near the street to RAW I said how wonderful new artists in town. I walk just about everywhere and love to come upon art on the street. In fact art on the street is where I first cut my teeth many moons ago. I celebrate it as helping to break down art systems of collectors, galleries, museums, big money and foolish air kissing. I celebrate art of this nature as it does point to another day that is pregnant with possibilities. The art of Knitty Gritty is a welcomed breath of fresh art to art in Hartford.
I do hope that no one thinks that I am implying that if a person picks up needles and yarn that they must make hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. The idea of making such objects was just an extension of comment # 3 where Knitty Gritty talked of hold a clothing drive. I thought now there is a wonderful way for their art to fill that niche, and become street art that moves around from place to place rather than being confined in its beauty to one location and time. I would give anything to wear one of your creations in my walk-about.
Now for some real good news. We at A few Queers On The Prowl have answered your call for scrap yarn. I have some nice bags from friend Neva that are waiting for you. As with all donations of any manner, shape and form things that are given from us come with no strings attached. In fact we take back our challenge to you as we do not want to direct or attempt to, or push out anything that would inhibit freedom or make a person feel that they “must”. Nor do we wish to imply we are leaders in anything, elders of the watchtower, or know-it-alls.
So how can we get this yarn from us to you? We can not meet up a RAW due to working 2nd shift.