Clarissa Callesen
Sculptor, installation artist, instructor
INSTALLATIONS
The Knotted Project:
Tying the Common and the Profound
A COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION
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ABOUT
A large community-based installation constructed of knotted, recycled domestic textiles. The project’s objective is to create and foster community through simple action and everyday materials while educating about the impact of textile waste on our environment.
Through this accessible, communal experience we will dig into the shared connection of humans through common objects and simple activities. What can appear simplistic has depths to be explored. Almost all humans were born on sheets, were conceived on, and will die on sheets. Knots hold sutures together to save lives. The act of learning to tie our shoes is a major developmental marker. Yet, we rarely consider the significance in our lives of these everyday objects and actions and the inherent connection created.
The project will involve the collection of discarded textiles, primarily bed sheets but also incorporating other common domestic materials like tablecloths and curtains. These will be altered in various ways utilizing local plant materials and found objects.
Then the simple act of tying knots in the fabric will be shared in casual, personal, and ritualistic community experiences. Creating a space for conversation, connection, and education while creating a tangible avenue for removing textiles from the waste stream. In the process, I will be collecting stories and words regarding the practical and symbolic use of knots and tying to be incorporated into the finished exhibition. My intention for the completed project is for its impact to continue through multiple exhibitions, talks, and discussions.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Donate used sheets or other domestic linens
For the scale of this project, a large number of textiles are going to be required. With that collection and use, a substantial amount of textiles will also be diverted from the landfill.
Join me in tying knots
At one of my community events or on your own. While tying knots: you can meditate, count your blessings, count your sorrows, pass the time, tie your burdens, count your age, teach a young one to tie a knot, just enjoy the simple activity, or whatever fits your needs
Share your thoughts and stories
All though, the act of tying and creating knots appears to be a simple mundane concept. Almost everyone has a story that involves knots or feelings and thoughts in response. Please share. Part of the project is collecting these words and stories. These will be incorporated into the final exhibition.
Share this project with your friends
This project is going to need a lot of hands.
Donate
The Knotted Project is completely self-funded. My hope is to share it with as many people as possible both in the construction and the exhibition. None of that is without cost.
WORDS AND STORIES
Double knot Slip Knot Happy memories of boating bowline knotted ladders Bridges made of knots women’s hair combing knots from a child’s hair grief tied together forever equality relationships
Half hitch macramé to measure Tie the knot tatting rug making basket making Plume line French knots felting wool when does a knot become a mat? Birth Twisted marriage embroidery grandma braids noose square knot hanging Granny knot obi bound knotting as Xanax tied to perfection tied to a person Invisible knots psychological knots knife knots lasso symbolism burls tree knots Tied umbilical cord fishing nets tie off an artery stitches in skin animal snares Slavery knarly birds nest cutting ties curly willow tree climbers fly fishing knots At loose ends mtn climbing knots cut loose Let it go… Quipu Quipucamayos secure restraint wrapped The only wrong or bad knot is one that can’t be untied in a hurry fray I once found a knot of snakes in a closet. It was winter, I think they were trying to stay warm Witches were said to knot the wind Not needed, but maybe wanted She had a knot in her throat every time she thought of her a stuck place Tied to land that sings in my heart Record keeping Knot record chaos Things that knot themselves loosening the knot secure Knots as a measurement of speed Nautical A knot measures the water speed I seem to find myself in some knotty situations and feel tied up frequently It takes attention and patience to undo myself ties that bind handfasting monkey's paw