Art
3 books about art crafting to weave into your life
The Next Chapter12:58Thread of connection: Jana O’Connor recommends three crafting books
Despite a busy schedule as a frequent contributor on CBC Radio’s Because News and the executive director of nonfiction festival LitFest Alberta, Edmonton’s Jana O’Connor somehow manages to sustain a life-long love of crafting.
“There was always a lot of materials around our house. I was always inspired by that,” she told Ali Hassan. “But it wasn’t until I was in my early 20s and I just caught a fire in me to decide to learn to knit.”
On this week’s episode of The Next Chapter, O’Connor shares three nonfiction titles that have greatly influenced her relationship with crafting and her appreciation of the art.
This nonfiction essay anthology brings together crafters from all walks of life. From crochet and knitting to embroidery, beading and quilting, these artists explore their relationship with fibre arts as it intersects with identity, trauma, politics, technology, climate change, disability and chronic illness.
Marita Dachsel is the author of the poetry collections There Are Not Enough Sad Songs, Glossolalia and All Things Said & Done, and the play Initiation Trilogy. Her essays have appeared in multiple anthologies. She is an assistant teaching professor in the Writing Department at the University of Victoria.
Nancy Lee is the author of two works of fiction, Dead Girls and The Age and a poetry collection, What Hurts Going Down. She is an associate professor at the UBC School of Creative Writing and co-creator of the internationally acclaimed EdX education series, How to Write a Novel. She lives in Vancouver.
Jana O’Connor says: “It’s an absolutely beautiful book and has a myriad of different perspectives on people’s lives and their relationship to needlework. It brings all kinds of insight and thoughtful reflections on the role of craft in people’s lives.”
Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti by Leanne Prain and Mandy Moore
Yarn bombing, the international guerilla movement using textile art as an act of political resistance, first picked up steam in the early 2000s. The 10th anniversary edition of Yarn Bombing was published in 2019 and includes patterns, tips and infamous examples of the movement over the previous decade.
Leanne Prain is a writer, speaker and certified design professional from Vancouver who helps communities connect through creative ideas. Her previous books include Strange Material: Storytelling through Textiles and The Creative Instigator’s Handbook: A DIY Guide to Making Social Change through Art.
Mandy Moore has worked in the yarn industry for over two decades as a teacher, designer and technical editor. She lives and works in Vancouver.
Jana O’Connor says: “Yarn graffiti and craftivism are very exciting ways of inserting yourself gently into the both political and municipal landscape and just making your mark.”
Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein
In order to cope with immense family upheaval amidst the COVID pandemic, Unraveling details author Peggy Orenstein’s journey to create a sweater entirely from scratch. From shearing a sheep to dyeing and knitting the yarn, Orenstein undertook every element of the year-long process herself in this hilarious, poignant memoir.
Peggy Orenstein is New York Times bestselling author, whose other books include Boys & Sex, Don’t Call Me Princess, Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter and Waiting for Daisy. She is a frequent contributor to publications such as The Atlantic, The New Yorker, the New York Times and the Washington Post. She lives in North Carolina.
Jana O’Connor says: “This memoir is really beautiful, intimate and funny.”
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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