Guerilla knitters set yarn bombs downtown
By Stefanie Helbich
Lance Writer
Photos By Elisha Giquel
August 26, 2009
 Denizens of the City of Windsor may have noticed over the past few months a surge in decoration around the city. Courtesy of Elisha Giquel, Nicole Drouillard, and Samantha Cooper, the city has begun to be beautified by what they term “yarn bombs” or “knit tags.”
“I think of yarn bombing as a way to turn bland and ignorable city features into eye catching works of art using knit or crochet pieces,” Giquel says. “I do it primarily for the pleasure of creating small knit and crochet pieces, but also as a way to help people notice their city.”
You can see the tags around the city adorning lamp posts, bicycle racks, and other areas of mundane public viewing, and artists like Drouillard have even gone a step further and started making large knit works that hang on the sides of buildings in recessed alcoves.
The concept for Yarn Art started locally at Craft Nights at Phog, referred to as OH! CNAP, and this is where Giquel first encountered knitting for public display.
“I don’t feel that what I do is politically motivated but it is socially motivated. The concept behind my yarn activities is to bring attention back to the cityscape and to help demonstrate what kind of people we share the city with. There is just too much disconnection with our city and our neighbours. I find that when I am out installing a new piece people actually stop to talk, or they smile. Everyone definitely looks.”
In terms of yarn bombing as an urban artform, Giquel stated her belief that yarn bombing brings a little bit of folk tradition to the urban setting—a return of old values like being outside, getting to know people, and using your own two hands to create something that everyone can enjoy.
 Not everyone, however, feels positively about these unique displays of art. “Some work has been burned, sliced with knives and others partially or completely removed. I wouldn’t call that public resistance so much as just another expression of boredom and disdain for our city and people who take interest in it.” Giquel believes part of the problem is that many people feel disenchanted and disheartened by the state of affairs in our city. “People aren’t getting involved enough, and many people are content to just sit aside and allow others to take action on their behalf.”
“I am of the opinion that just spending more time in our parks would be getting involved,” she explained. “Develop a new hobby that allows you to see Windsor from a different perspective—bring your camera, bring your sketchbook, bring your friends and a picnic blanket,” she continued.
As for contributing to the yarn bombing movement Giquel has this advice to offer: “If anyone is interested in crocheting or knitting or if they already know how, all they have to do is pick a particular feature to decorate. It could be the leg of a park bench, a rusted sign post, anything that looks like it could use some colour. Keep in mind the location: if it is in front of a shop or on their property it is a good policy to ask their permission first. You could even ask if they’d like a color theme.”
While you are out and about the city over the next few months, keep an eye out for these colourful pieces of art that are helping to brighten up the city blocks. Additionally, you can join them at OH! CNAP at Phog Lounge, located at 157 University Ave. W., every other Thursday. View more pictures and contact information at http://publicdisplayofyarn.wordpress.com.
|
