Craftivism: The Art and Craft of Activism

Craftivism cover

Craftivism is a worldwide movement that operates at the intersection where craft and activism meet; Craftivism the book is full of inspiration for crafters who want to create works that add to the greater good. With interviews and profiles of craftivists who are changing the world with their art, and through examples that range from community embroidery projects, stitching in prisons, revolutionary ceramics, AIDS activism, yarn bombing, and crafts that facilitate personal growth, Craftivism provides imaginative examples of how crafters can be creative and altruistic at the same time.

Artists profiled in the book are from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, and their crafts include knitting, crocheting, sewing, textiles, pottery, and ceramics. There’s the Brooklyn writer who creates large-scale site-specific knitted installations; the British woman who runs sewing and quilting workshops for community building and therapy; the Indonesian book maker and organizer of a DIY craft center; and the Oxford, England, cultural theorist and dress designer. A wonderful sense of optimism and possibility pervades the book: the inspiring notion that being crafty can really make the world a better place.

Review

Craftivism explores the power of being meaningful with our head and hands. Making with active intention is a political act no matter how big or small your intention is. Making is scary, and Craftivism gives permission to craftivists to be loud, to be quiet, to make with meaning, and most importantly, to share and create a difference.” —Kate Bingaman-Burt, author of Obsessive Consumption

“Betsy Greer has collected an impressive line-up of experts, and their essays both informative and delightful. This is a book for anyone who’s into craft or activism — or are simply curious about either.” —Perri Lewis, author of Material World and creative director of Mastered

“Sharing stories of how people make changes in the world through creative acts of making, Betsy Greer reminds us that revolutions are small before they are grand. In the spirit of craftivism, she gives voice to others, sharing their stories to demonstrate how collaboration — as much as action and listening — can effect change.” —Namita Gupta Wiggers, Director and Chief Curator, Museum of Contemporary Craft and Co-Founder, Critical Craft Forum

About the Author

Betsy Greer: Betsy Greer is a writer, a maker, and a researcher, and the author of Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch. She runs the blog craftivism.com and believes that creativity and positive activism can not only save the soul, but also the world.