Extreme Knitting and Crochet Art

While some people may think knitting and crocheting are just for grandmas, that couldn't be further from the truth.

In fact, in the last few years, there has been a huge resurgence in these techniques, and the projects go far beyond scarves and gloves. Crocheted and knitted artworks have taken the world by storm, both on the street—a movement referred to as “knit graffiti,” “yarn bombing” and “urban knitting”—and in modern art circles alike.

Loved for the humanizing quality it lends to everyday objects, the medium continues to attract artists, who have no doubt been inspired by the pioneering works below.



"Locker Room"

by artist Nathan Vincent it will be displayed at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Seattle through June 26, 2011. Photo: courtesy of Bellevue Arts Museum

Banksy Tribute

In 2011, Polish artist Agata Oleksiak—who goes by "Olek"— She installed her works (five in all) on the sides of buildings throughout downtown Manhattan to help promote Banksy's documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which was nominated for an Oscar. Photo: courtesy of Olek

“Captured”

In 2009, textile artist Liliana Crespi installed a group of three 6- to 8-foot-wide "spiderwebs" at Sculpture Key West, Florida. Photo: courtesy of Sculpture Key West

Unnamed

Another piece of work by Olek. This was displayed at the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn during 2009),  Photo: courtesy of Olek

Mexico City Bus

In November 2008, Austin, Texas–based artist Magda Sayeg—founder of Knitta Please, one of the first U.S.-based yarn bombing groups— The bus, which remained covered through November 2009, is "reimagined" by a different artist every year. Photo: courtesy of Cesar Ortega

Faces

In 2008, Portland, Oregon–based Jo Hamilton took pictures of her 16 coworkers and crocheted their faces. —some of which are currently on display in New York City at two Café Grumpy locations. Photo: courtesy of Jo Hamilton

“Piano Dentelle” (“Lace Piano”)

In 2010, Lisbon, Portugal–based artist Joana Vasconcelos displayed this intricate piano cover at the Haunch of Venison Gallery in London.  Photo: courtesy of Joana Vasconcelos

“Varina” (“Fishwife”)

In 2008, Vasconcelos crafted this 5,000-foot-wide, 800-lb bedspread as a tribute to the fishwives—or working women—of Santa Maria, Portugal. Photo: courtesy of Joana Vasconcelos

“Everything Nice”

In 2006, Portland, Oregon–based artist Theresa Honeywell knitted this acrylic yarn motorbike cozy. Photo: courtesy of Theresa Honeywell

“Tree Cozy”

In 2005, artist Carol Hummel, along with her mother and two daughters, crocheted this tree jacket as part of a public art project commissioned by Heights Arts, an initiative in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.  Photo: courtesy of Carol Hummel.

To see/read more about these wonderful artist and their works of art go to

By Brynn Mannino  from WomansDay.com

 

all comments and feedback are welcomed