I do love creative stealth projects. This one is not quite stealth because, although the perpetrators act under cover of darkness, they are known — and willing to be interviewed.
Taryn Plumb writes for the Boston Globe about graffiti artists with knitting needles in Ashland, Mass. “Armed with clews of yarn, they transformed a series of utilitarian light posts into colorful, whimsical, eye-luring structures.
“It’s called ‘yarn bombing,’ ‘guerrilla knitting,’ or ‘graffiti knitting’ — wrapping and otherwise decorating everyday structures with yarn under the cover of night. …
“It is a worldwide movement — the first international ‘yarn bombing day’ was observed on June 11, 2011 — that has emerged in the last decade, with elaborate designs hitting bicycles, statues, trees, steps, parking meters, phone booths, and subway interiors, filling potholes, and even draping entire buses and military tanks in various countries.
“In its local application, though, Ashland Creative wasn’t completely rogue. Organizer Andrea Green sought approval from selectmen.”
Plumb explains that the group’s main motive is to help reenergize the downtown as other local community-building initiatives are doing.
“And the response? Curiosity from both adults and kids, the latter of which have named their favorites and been more than happy to explore their texture.
“ ‘People have just been delighted to see the way ordinary functional objects have been transformed into fun, interesting works of art,’ said Green …
“ ‘People often have the perception that art has to be seen in museums,’ Green said, ‘but amateur artists can create it, and it can still entertain.’ ”
More.
Update 2/10/14: Got to add another great yarn-bombing story here, courtesy of Mary Ann.
Photo: Ashland Creative
Ulie Nardone participated in Ashland’s recent Wrap-It Up Art Project.
Update: Beagling sends along this version of yarn bombing.
“Charging Bull,” near Wall Street, was covered in crochet by artist Olek in December 2010.
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