I have always had an itch for knitting and with September nearing, I am feeling the need to start making chuncky-knit-wear. The thing is… I can’t seemed to get beyond my neophyte scarf-making.
I have recently found fiber art by Tsuruta Tomoko (somewhat unknown Japanese artist) and Sheila hicks (world renowned American fiber artist from Nebraska).

I have come to realize, I am drawn to artists and work that may at times appear simple, but really require a great amount of detail in the process of making. Artists like Josef Albers or Sol Lewitt, who are known for acute detail yet sometimes minimal compositions. Any art student in their first year understands the importance of Josef Albers; an artist well known for defining color theory.

So when I see various mediums executed to perfection, in this case fiber art, it leaves me in awe as well as becomes added inspiration.
When looking at it…I think…it really should be categorized as OCD fiber art, because no average human being could pull off such intense, acute work otherwise.

Tsuruta Tomoko

Sheila hicks

Granted…it is beautiful.

I think its safe to say we are beyond the point of environmental absolution. We have left finite footprints on this planet and no political exploits through movies (11th hour, An Inconvenient truth) can repair the damage that is already done.

What is fascinating is this movement allows a particular sect of individuals to control others. This “green” movement should not allow one set of beings to be valued over another. On the contrary, this is a collective-behavior-changing-effort, but it would seem that idea has been lost through politics and the appearance of environmental friendliness.

We are now in the eternal “green,” movement and as much as I agree with the idea, it has transformed into an annoyance. You cannot go anywhere without seeing someone advertise how they have now gone “green.” As much as I like the color and the environmental efforts, I believe it is a bunch of political bullshit. I am beginning to grow weary and annoyed by the sanctimonious nature of people who are anything but environmentally friendly.

I do not want to see Madonna, Leo, or any other actor, musician, or political figure’s face telling me about a crisis that I have long often known. One can contribute to the cause without simultaneously exploiting the charitable limelight. The intentions are meant well; nevertheless, they will not speed up this world cause.

In truth, the sacrifices that need to be made for such a large cause will never be made. The problem lies far beyond politics. The problem is in us. We can not forsake the life we have become so accustomed to. The capitalistic society that we thrive on is a fuel to the very cause we are trying to stop. We are a machine that constantly strives for “more” and “more” generally being material posessions that are purchased with disposable incomes.

Can you see celebrities and the wealthy elite, giving up a life they have come to take for granted?? Private jets, wide range of vehicles, high-end clothing (some of animal dissent)...
These are a group of people who are living a life of extreme gluttony, their extreme incomes buy them a lifestyle we cannot fathom and with items and luxuries no person needs.

How can such people profess an extreme change, a radical way of life to the the average person, when they have no concept of how the average person lives?
Empathy for the average or subaverage, throughout this world, is not at the root of their construct.

Until we have purged ourselves of extravagant lifestyles, we will not see these environmental efforts through.

All images by: J. Henry Fair, Industrial Scars

My name is Emily Blakely.
I am a Technologist.
I am not like electricity.
I do not follow the path of least resistance.
I like things that most think are only for nerds, geeks, and your grandmother.