For most of my life, I've been disinterested in politics. Graduating, art school in the 80's, it was time when politics and art were not commonly combined. Moreover, it wasn't in my nature to pay attention to such serious matters.
However, since the election in 2016, I've started to pay more attention to what is happening in the USA and beyond.
Via monthly Zoom get togethers with the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, where I am a member, I came across The Violet Protest project.
The Violet Protest is a craftivist event which is sending 50 hand-made textile squares to each member of Congress, in support of important American values: Respect for the other, Citizenship, Compromise, Country over party and corporate influence, Courage, Candor, Compassion, and Creativity. There will also be an exhibition of the squares in Arizona.
While I'm not quite a 'political animal' (yet), I've created this wet felted, pointed witch hat as my unofficial entry to the Violet Protest.
The hat is equally red and blue in color to represent the two political parties that dominate American elections. In addition, there is purple down the center to show a blending of the two. Spidering down the hat, there is a deep fissure to represent the divide. Accross this, I've felted bridges to physically and metaphorically connect the two sides. After all, we are one country that is not comprised of enemies.
The US Elections are on November 3rd, 2020. No one knows how they will turn out. So, please make sure to register and vote. It's important.