CMD 003: Connecting Through A Weird Piece Of Art, with Shannon Johnston

Images

Artist Statement

A handmade scarf is an intimate gesture of affection. Intimate due to the personal time invested in the making. Affectionate through the way it is worn, wrapped around the neck as if a hug. Scarves by their nature and function insinuate warmth as well. All of these are things I feel and hope for so many people living in the wake of natural disasters, illness, and civil unrest.

But there are too many people hurting and healing from these various events to wrap up myself. To embrace a community, I need a community. Other artists, men, women, high school students of all different social, religious, and economic backgrounds have contributed portions to the scarf. As they knit all of contributors have been asked to knit their hopes, prayers, good thoughts, and love into the scarf. Some people have chosen to knit actual items into the scarf that symbolize these hopes, others have made metaphors through knitted wool, and others still have simply used the time knitting to reflect, meditate, or pray.

The scarf is two feet wide, 24″. A foot implies stillness, you can’t walk with just one foot and so the scarf is two feet to imply moving forward and healing. The scarf has knitting needles still attached, rather than the stitches being cast off and the scarf “finished.” This is so that people can continue to add their prayers to it. It is an ongoing project, just as healing is an ongoing process.

Initially the scarf was started in response to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011. In March of 2012, a nearly 100-foot-long scarf was taken to Japan. Partnering with Community Arts Tokyo the scarf was presented and added to as part of several one year anniversary commemorations of the tsunami.

Although this project was conceived for Japan in response to events that happened there it is not intended to stay there. It is my hope that each person or group the receives the scarf will then add to it and pass it on to someone else who needs prayer, comfort, hope, and encouragement.

The scarf has been added to specifically in response to Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it brought to New England in 2012 and the Australian wild fires in 2019. It has been exhibited in Japan, Australia, and the USA and is currently over 200 feet long.

Currently, individuals around the world are making pieces to add for those feeling the impact of COVID-19. I invite you to join us in embracing those suffering from any of these disasters by knitting, crocheting, weaving, or whatever your preferred method is. There is no required size, pattern, method or material. The scarf is 24″ wide, pieces with one side being 24″ can easily be added, bits and pieces of all shapes and sizes have been added and are most welcomed! For details, questions, or more information visit www.shannonmariejohnston.com.