Arctic craftivism and revitalisation of crafting

Abstract

Knitting is a form of craft that is practised in many cultures with local features. Colour combinations, specific qualities of yarn, and decorative patterns give local character to mittens, cardigans, and other knits. In many regions, patterns have a communicative function: they carry cultural symbols and representations of cultural identities. In this visual essay, I describe artistic productions that have included participatory methods and the use of patterns as visual communication. The study follows the approach of art-based action research in which Northern cultural revitalisation is promoted. The artworks can be viewed as craftivism as the practice of engaging creativity regarding political or social causes.

Arctic Wool

“…As a designer and artist-researcher in the field of craft who has been collaborating and co-designing with artists and designers for a decade, I am currently conducting arts-based action research on creative collaborations and Arctic sustainability using wool. My interest lies in the fields of craft and design, with a particular interest in tradition and innovation , handmade design with a focus on concepts of territory (Jefferies, 2016;Kettle, 2019;Niedderer & Townsend, 2019Townsend & Niedderer, 2021), identity, heritage, local materials (Klepp, 2022), intercultural connections (Huhmarniemi, 2021), and traditional ecological knowledge (Berkes, 1993;Kimmerer, 2002). As part of my research, I conducted openended interviews in Finland to collect qualitative data from a textile and dyeing artisan and from a farm owner and yarn supplier.…”