This has been a year of unique fabric artists! So far we’ve met two amazing women who take fabric art to new and dizzying heights of creative genius. And now, we have another one to share with you.
More than that, courtesy of our lovely new guest, we’ve discovered a whole new type of fabric art that we’d never heard of before!
Yarnbombing
It’s a type of street art, or graffiti (as some call it), where the artist takes a leftover bit of knitting or yarn and wraps it around something.
- The supports of a bridge
- The limbs of a tree
- The spokes of a bicycle
Yarnbombing has become a way of saving and repurposing “junk” destined for the landfill, and salvaging those odd ends and pieces that always seem to hang around after a knitting project.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for such an outside-the-box endeavor, yarnbombing seems to have originated in Texas, with those saucy southern Belles who needed something to do with their leftover knitting.
Now, however, it’s a practice that’s already migrated across America and over the Pond, and is now adorning everything from New York City Streets to Italian Bridges.
So without any further ado, please encounter our newest unique fabric artist, and give her a warm greeting!
Yarnbomber Ola O’Shea
You do a very different kind of art. It’s fresh, different, and evidently means different things to different people and artists:
How do You Define Your Specific Type of Yarnbombing?
My art is unique, every single piece is like no other. I started with knitting sweaters, hats etc., but I always felt a need to create things that were more unique. I connected with a yarnbombing crowd and took part in large group projects internationally.
I start with an object and my yarn selection.
- I do not buy yarn
Therefore I work with what I have on hand. Minimizing waste I use small scraps of yarn first.
Ola O’Shea
Rather than spending a lot of time on personal stuff, I will focus on my journey with yarn artwork.
I have worked with yarn all my life, knitting and crocheting. Later in life I started to incorporate my craft into art and now I’m saving items from the landfill.
In the very beginning, I was loading kids’ bicycles into the car. One bicycle was left behind which I did not notice. I drove over it. I had a broken bike and decided to save it from the landfill.
That is how my yarnbombing of broken bicycles started.
I cover many items in yarn, making them not only into décor but also great for practical use. My yarn covered stools can be used as plant stands etc.
Interesting Trivia about Me
- I love colors, primary colors.
- My style is boho.
- I never use a pattern.
- I create items that are unique.
- And no 2 items are exactly the same.
- I do not coordinate colors
I go by how it feels.
- I do not plan my projects
They are very spontaneous depending what I have on hand.
Can You Tell Us More About the Culture and Community Surrounding Yarnbombing?
Yarnbombing is unique form of art, which comes with the responsibility of removing a display within an appropriate timeframe, so it does not turn into littering. Knitted/crocheted pieces can be turned into blankets and donated to people in need.
What’s Your Response to Environmental Criticisms of Yarnbombing?
Yes, there is an environmental criticism. I believe a yarnbombing carries responsibility, otherwise it becomes littering. I always make sure the projects I take part in, have zero waste and are environmentally friendly. I do not create art that interferes with wildlife, nature and I always make sure my display is removed in the timely matter.
Where Do You Find Inspiration for Your Ideas?
I find inspirations daily. I see what supplies I have on hand and what I can create. Everything I use is recycled. I do not buy yarn, I accept donations. I look for broken items, cover them with yarn and save them from landfill.
What Motivates You to Create Yarnbombing?
What motivates me to create is recycling items which would end up in landfill.
I do not purchase anything for my art; so I’m recycling yarn as well. I also use fabric. I look for colors and texture.
Why Did You Start Specifically with Yarnbombing?
I started my art, because I want zero waste. Too many items get discarded.
Did you start with a standard pattern or design, or was this all your own creation?
Everything I do is my own creation. I do not follow patterns; I don’t know how to read them. I pick up yarn and go by how it feels.
What is your process; design, prep, work, completion, etc.?
I look for items that are unusable, discarded. I will even pick them up from the side of the road. Then, I open my trunk, where I store yarn and fabric. The rest is spontaneous creation. I do not have the finished object in my head when I start. I never know what end result would be like.
Which is how it all got started with yarn covered bicycles.
- Bicycle was broken.
- I was knitting, crocheting pieces, and adding them to the bike.
- No pattern, no plan.
- Just plain creation.
How long does each finished (item) take to complete?
Hard to say, because I work on few projects at the time. I consider it completed when I am satisfied with the outcome.
How many have you made in all (or a rough estimate)?
Lots. I’ve lost count, but the projects include bicycles, plant stands, wheels, paper lanterns, and (in part) a plane, and everything in between!
Do You Display Your Yarnbombing Art Publicly? Exhibits, Contests, Events?
I do participate in exhibits, although I’ve never entered a contest.
And yes, I do events.
My yarnbombing art has been displayed in LA and other cities in the US, as well as Hawaii, London, Canada etc.
I made my part, mailed it and it was incorporated into a large project. We covered façade of art gallery in LA, and a plane in Yukon, Canada.
What’s the best place for our readers to find and/or contact you?
How-to Recommend Another Unique Artist
Being able to showcase unique artists like Ola is one of the best parts of being Princess YellowBelly Designs. We love discovering new artists, learning about their techniques, and getting to experience their amazing works of art. If you know of someone – or are someone – who practices a unique form of fabric art, please use the form below to let us know!
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