The Museum of Contemporary Art is once again hosting the Downtown Sn’b! A lively cast of characters gathered for a row or two in the lovely Puck’s Cafe.
Artist Anni Holm coordinated an interactive installation piece she calls “Networking”. A central piece of knitting was worked on simultaneously by random knitters throughout the evening, all working from a circlular position in tandem.
It was fascinating to see what each knitter added to the piece – there was cabling, eyelets, and one knitter was twisting her strip every few rows to make a 3-D *cable*.
That’s Anni smiling on the left; she’s taken this project to Iowa and Pennsylvania so far –
What’s fascinating about this, and other types of *knit-ins* I’ve witnessed is the ENERGY this creates –
Besides the end result of the piece, you have this interesting synergy between the knitters – even though they are working on a singular piece, they are bonded together by the stitching motion and purpose – powerful and FUN!
I love knitting in a group – it wasn’t until I joined one in 2001, that my knitting fever really took off. The constant inspiration of the other knitters really launches one into bigger and better horizons. You suddenly are trying things you never thought of before or didn’t think you could do.
The main exhibit at the MCA right now is “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”. It is fascinating as well – it explores “the power and responsibility of design.” If you notice, in the first picture above, the question is posed: “Will we shift from the service of War to the Service of Life?” Looking at the turnout of stitchers sitting in peace together, perhaps that answer could be Yes.
Sounds simply grand. I miss that kinetic energy of knitting together. I got tired of asking around my new home for “knitting groups”, I am in the process of starting my own, just looking for a place to hold it. The networking piece really looks interesting, it would be interesting to see it when it is finished. What yarn/s are they working it with?
I was really energized last night, too! Thanks for the name of the artist — I was wondering about that. It was such a cool-looking piece, the knitting itself as well as the people involved in creating it.
3D cable? Interesting! I miss having a regular group to knit with…
A chill ran up my spine! Yes, I could feel the kinetic energy through your words and the sense memory of what knitting with others evokes. There’s nothing like it! And when I’m better, I want to jump back in the middle of it.
I noticed that question right away and I think it’s a really good one. I propose that a dialog could be opened with the following variation:
“How do we shift from the service of War to the Service of Life?”
Aw, man. Why can’t we have knit outs like that over here? I’m jealous!
Now THAT looks like fun! I don’t know where I’d be without my knitting group or bloggong friends! I’ve been knitting just a year now & I’m about to take on something I never thought possible. Sweaters for me! (Your sweaters btw) Ariann & Ribby Cardi :)