CCDN331: Critical Writing Interim

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Design as Provocateur + Craftivism

Thesis Statement/Argument

Craftivism has an important role in society by reclaiming the purpose and meaning of craft and creating social change through examining and challenging contemporary issues.

Source 1: Craft As Activism by Elizabeth Garber

In this article, Elizabeth Garber talks about craftivism and the meaning behind the social activism movement. Through the introduction of what it means to “craft” and what making things can do, craftivism is more than the product that is made. Craft activism is drawn from an array of different human rights issues and focuses on challenging contemporary issues through the process of crafting objects. Using different examples, Garber shows how craftivism challenges social issues such as feminism, sustainability, cultural issues, economic troubles and politics. Also mentioned are the different types of craft outputs such as knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, crochet etc and how challenging messages and statements can be communicated through this medium. Garber goes into further detail to talk about the reasons why people want to create these social challenges an crafts are the medium chosen to do it.

 This resource provides a good basis of what craftivism is, why people do it and how they use craftivism to challenge society. I have been aware of craftivism for a couple of years, but I have never looked into what it is and how it became a way of activism. Through this article, I can understand the history behind the challenging method and look at how craftivism is continuing to develop.
Garber, E. (2013). Craft as activism. The Journal of Social Theory in Art Education (Online), 33. 53-66. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1466173639?accountid=14782 

Source 2: Fabricating Activism: Craft-Work, Popular Culture, Gender by Jack Z. Bratich and Heidi M. Brush

In this article, craftivism and fabriculture is examined, as well as looking at how digital culture is incorporated into this area of social and political activism. Previously, craft focused on hand made and ‘crafted’ products, but now with the development of digital technology and the resurgence of this artform, there are online blogs and groups that transfer craftivism into the digital realm. Not only are these social challenges passively questioning issues, the level at which they are seen is expanding through more effective methods of communication via digital technology. The comparison of new and old methods of craft creation is reviewed and looks at the differences in meaning behind the method of creation e.g. cross stitch for decoration versus cross stitch as a feminist challenge on gender equality.

This article is going to be useful to review the comparison of craft then and now and the incorporation of digital technology as an assistive medium to communicate the creative craft output and challenge it presents. Other forms of activism that are similar to craftivism are reviewed, providing deeper meaning and justification as to why contemporary challenges are presented through a physical craft manifestation.
Bratich, J. Z., & Brush, H. M. (2011). Fabricating activism: craft-work, popular culture, gender. Utopian Studies, 22(2), 233-260. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/utopianstudies.22.2.0233

Source 3: Homemade and Hell Raising Through Craft, Activism, and Do-It-Yourself Culture - Elena Solomon

This journal article focuses on how craftivism derives from a broader do-it-yourself culture and the different ways to project craftivism to the world and compares professional and amateur attempts. The difference in value of professional and amateur work is highlighted as it brings up issues regarding historical craft without intent of social activism. This also brings up the issue of gender stereotype in relation to tactile media, the creation of these manifestations and presentation. The author makes an interesting observation, looking at how virtual craftivists can create successful projects out of virtual connections, transforming the way historic forms of craft collaboration created learning environments with bonding elements.

This is a useful journal article for my critical writing because the author looks at craftivism in the broader sense of the do-it-youself lifestyle and the activists intent. Taking a step back from craftivism can help to see how other ways of activism are influenced by this popular method. There is also a comparison of virtual and in-person craft activism that looks at how craftivism can develop for successful future activism.

Solomon, E. (2013). Homemade and hell raising through craft, activism, and do-it-yourself culture. Psychology Journal, 11(1), 11-20. Retrieved from www.psychnology.org.  



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I am a designer, currently studying Design Innovation at Victoria University of Wellington. My focus areas are website and mobile media development, interaction design, 3D modelling and animation and audio-visual space. My blog shows my journey through each project as well as my learning experience through university. What do I want to be when I grow up? I have no idea. But I love what I'm learning. Although there have been many bumps along the road in this journey and despite the fact that there are going to be many more, I wouldn't have it any other way.

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