02/07/2026
I’ve seen a lot of discourse the past year about art and its place in resistance. Many have called it performative or the least engaged form of protest and there is validity in that. But I also know, from experience, that art can change the hearts of stubborn minds. I have been trying to reconcile these truths, especially at protests where rage adjoins with creativity in the unique ways individuals express their outrage, sadness, or hope.
While reading up on fascist resistance of the past, I was reminded of the sticker Woody Guthrie added to his guitar during WWII (slide 4), which originated from American machinists. The radical notion at the time was that his music, his art, was an active part of the war effort, powerful enough to kill fascism. But it’s not so radical to think about these days, is it? With all we have been forced to encounter about radicalization and tribalism, true change and the desire to break away has to come from within.
There are so many ways to defeat such evil like we are seeing on a daily basis in America now. You can take to the streets, like the incredibly brave people of Minneapolis. Get involved with mutual aid in your community. Donate funds to organizations doing incredible work supporting at risk community members. And yes, you can channel the feelings of the collective into art and craft. It may be in hope of inspiring someone to see truth. It may be a meditative act to process the constant stream of fear and hate. It may be a rallying cry for those losing hope or a respite of joy for the weary. But there is no doubt in my mind that the handmade has a vital place.
Is art alone enough? No. And lately I’ve struggled with allowing myself the space to create anything when my needle and thread feel so small and useless against the terror.
Claude Monet shared his guilt about continuing to create during WWI (slide 😎. And yet, you look at the weeping willows referenced (slide 9), and you see the terror and pain of that moment transcribed beautifully across time. I found comfort in that commonality.
So I will continue to use my machine 🪡 to the best of my ability, and I hope you continue to use yours too.
