I have to admit that I have mixed feelings about yarn
bombing. On one hand, I appreciate
the need for artistic expression. Seeing
a hotel decorated in yarn, as recently described by the Yarn
Harlot, has to be quite a sight.
On the other hand, I’m not sure I find a lot of value in using scraps of
yarn to cover random objects simply because it can be done.
There have been some great examples of yarn bombing used to
decorate utilitarian objects. For
example, the AKG has a member who “yarn bombed” an old chair, giving it new
character and life:
In another instance of decorative yarn bombing, a group of
senior citizens from the West Flamingo Active Adult Center in Las Vegas and the
local Boy Scout Troup 238 decided to “yarn bomb” a utilitarian pedestrian
bridge over a local parkway. http://bit.ly/OGfLWi The group created a sun motif designed
to complement the work of nearby Sunrise Hospital.
Anyone who knows me also knows that I can’t resist good
social or political commentary. So
imagine my delight when I found this juicy piece of yarn bombing:
You guessed it!
That would be a naked Prince Harry (or nekked, for those true
Southerners) guarding the family jewels that were otherwise publically
displayed recently in Las
Vegas. What makes this yarn
bombing especially delicious is that this irreverent display sits near the very
proper the Royal crown and other decorations that were crafted for the recent
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
So let the controversy begin: Yarn Bombing – creative expression or a poor use for
perfectly good yarn. Please be
sure to leave your comments below.
And all posters are encouraged to use the term “family jewels” in their
posts. I look forward to reading
your thoughts on this pressing topic.
4 comments:
Love the parking meter!
I especially love yarn bombing that has wit. Something like the parking meter makes you smile, even as you hunt for coins to feed the little monster.
And I think it is a great way to use up scraps. So often the leftovers pile up, but you don't want to toss them away.
I am forced to agree that yarn bombing trees, chain link fences, and the like merely for the sake of decoration leaves me cold (better to use the yarn for sweaters, hats, and shawls). But I do love a visual pun or satiric visual comment.
I enjoy yarn bombing a lot EXCEPT when it is on trees. The reason is that it can damage or even kill them if it completely encircles the trunk or limb. That's because each time it is soaked with rain it stays wet much longer than the uncovered bark, providing a breeding place for insects and tree diseases.
You asked" creative expression or a poor use for perfectly good yarn.".
My approach to arts and crafts supplies is the same, all of it is useful to me as an artist. In the 6 years that my friend and I have been yarnbombing in our village there has NEVER been an example of it hurting a tree, a pole, a bench, or the local critters. The biggest threat to our local trees are the ash borers, and human made pollutants (road salt, garden chemicals). If you wonder the value of it as a visual expression, just ask our chamber of commerce. People in town have LOVED it, it has encouraged children to take up knitting, to explore art outside the box, and been part of community involvement and joy.
Does everyone like it? No, but it would be a funny old world if we all liked the SAME art.
cheers Corrine aka Jafabrit
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