Why Craftivist?

My friend Freba introduced me to a book called “Craftivism”, I liked the book and really liked the concept. To make art while making a point - politically, socially, to speak for the oppressed, the silenced & disrespected.

I feel very small on this beautiful planet and speaking up as much as I can for others who are not heard or respected seems like an easy way to feel a little bit bigger. Not that I need to feel big but it helps to not feel completely useless. I feel as though I can use my voice and my business to make a difference as small as it may be.

Part of this for me is still evolving, I am open to new means of achieving this. Lately I have been reading a lot about white supremacy, black, indigenous and people of color, LGBTQ rights,… As a white woman with a lot of privileges I feel the need to be an ally to everyone who is not in a respectable position and to educate myself on how to be a better human and ancestor.

Another way I us my craftivism is in an ecological way. I try to purchase my supplies locally, from Colorado first and then the US but as close to where I live as possible. To lower my carbon footprint and to support my local economy. The paper for my business cards is made in the US. They are printed in Fort Collins by a local artist and her press. Jes at The State Park does amazing work. Check out her business!

I purchase my leather, beads, yarn,… all locally, in Fort Collins, Colorado for the most part. It isn’t easy and sometimes more expensive but I cannot envisage telling my customers to purchase my products in a local fashion if I don’t do so myself.