Bringing art to the people: yarn bombing

The phenomenon of yarn bombing sounds dangerous, however in truth is more fun and intriguing than harmful.

Yarn bombing is a creative expression of transforming everyday objects or public spaces into art installations, providing many benefits: a pleasure to the eye; bringing art to the people; a conversation starter, as everybody is an art critic at heart. You may have glimpsed examples of yarn bombing, distinguished by the use of form and colour: bright and bold; choice of fibre and technique; crochet, weaved or knitted.

Yarn bombing generates positive community energy. Through the many months of COVID isolation, many communities yarn bombed in common community spaces to demonstrate the need to connect. The completed work then was available to all and sundry. Viewed in passing either walking or driving and without the need to break with any COVID isolation rules.

All members of the community young, old and differently abled contributed to building and strengthening community ties throughout a very difficult time.

Yarn bombing by fibre artists uses neglected or dull areas of the public landscape to highlight the space for the public’s benefit and deepen the appreciation for everyday objects in local surrounds. With simple everyday accessible tools and materials, some coordination and planning and a neglected public space, yarn bombing may be an activity that you with a few friends might give a try – with requisite approval of course.