Keywords: ungendered; fibre; broken; crafting; process

Abstract

Broken Ribs forms the basis of my current practice based research. An evolving dual exploration which aims to connect common narrative threads across two liminal activities I have undertaken during the 2020-2021 lockdowns: crafting (knitting and embroidery) and creative writing. Drawing and building upon academic work on craft cultures and craftivism (Turney 2012, 2009; Parker 2012; McBrinn 2017, 2015; Wilkinson Weber & DeNicola 2016; Buzek & Robertson 2011), my crafting of garments is borne out of a visual exploration of ungendered garments and the unpicking of heteronormative sports motifs and identities. Through learning to knit and experimenting with embroidery under lockdown, the subject and the stitching are intentionally subversive. By deliberately not following a pattern and letting mistakes occur, I embrace the notion of the ‘Perfect Imperfect’ object (McCartney & Cairns 2016). An echo of the abuse a footballer may be subject to when committing a foul or missing a goal. Thus ‘Broken Ribs’ refers simultaneously to a soccer injury and ribbing in knitting. These exploratory experiments in fluid, but accident-prone craft practice will be transposed and combined into a written format. Text will be combined with the visual language and materiality of the knitting pattern and punch cards, transferring processes/practices from a different craft field to written form. Repetition, experimentation and sequential distortion with embroidery and applique will echo the repetitious nature of the homophobic chants and abuse in soccer to offer a new experimental methodology exploring protest and equality.