Subversive crafts

The topic of "subversive crafts" comes up from time to time in the crafting world. It's one of those terms like "foodie" or "hipster," something that tends to be used with a bit of a sneer, and only applied to the work of other people. But who cares about those snobs? These crafts are awesome!

There are a lot of ways to define a "subversive" craft. The obvious definition would be a craft that is a form of political or social protest, like this knitter at an Occupy rally, or this amazing crocheted pink tank cozy.

In a broader sense, subversive crafts are any crafts which seek to subvert the dominant crafting paradigm. (I use the term "dominant paradigm" only somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I'm as tired of it as you are, and yet it's a handy term, and also I have a Liberal Arts degree so I can't help it.)

For example, one dominant paradigm in needlepoint and cross stitch is a "country home" aesthetic, with lots of Jesus. You have your "Bless This Mess" samplers, your Footprints illustrations, your "little girl in a big creepy bonnet that covers her entire face" genre. (Tell me I'm not the only one who finds the faceless bonnet girl creepy.)

A lot of crafters, particularly the younger set and outspoken feminists (like myself) push back against that crafting archetype. And so you get your Star Wars needlepoint projects, your "Kanye West tweets enshrined in needlepoint," and more NSFW needlepoint projects than you can shake a knitting needle at.

It's not just subversive; it's hilarious!

Makers Social struggled with the topic of "what is subversive craft" a few months ago, and they offer a broad overview (with lots of great examples) here. I think that as with all art forms, subversion is in the eye of the beholder. But seriously, crafters: keep pushing those boundaries. I'm cheering you on!

Image courtesy Flickr/rauchdickson