Craft Optimism at The Smithsonian

Bowties from Pittsburgh’s Knotzland, made of upcycled materials, are part of The Smithsonian’s Craft Optimism virtual marketplace.

The Smithsonian has organized a virtual marketplace called "Smithsonian Craft Optimism" to celebrate creative responses to climate change. Participating artists use recycled, upcycled and more-sustainable material choices in their work. Many of them also address themes of natural beauty and fragility.

Three talented Pittsburghers are taking part in the online event, which runs from April 24 to May 1, 2021. For more information www.CraftOptimism.si.edu.

Nisha Blackwell’s atelier, Knotzland, designs wearable art using reclaimed materials. To date, Knotzland has diverted 3,427 pounds of fabric from landfills, and in the process has offset 11,994 pounds of CO2 from which would otherwise enter the atmosphere. Knotzland trains and pays women with barriers to traditional employment to sew products that serve as a conversation piece about sustainability and the effects of traditional manufacturing on our planet and its role in climate change.

Christina Roselle receives upholstery fabric and leather samples from furniture stores in the area which would otherwise be discarded. She combines colors, patterns, and textures to make handbags with character. “Because I have always disliked the habit of wasting, I purposely use what is already here and appreciate the character and uniqueness that it creates,” she comments. No two of her bags are exactly alike.

LaVerne Kemp is a talented weaver and textile maker. One of her pieces in the virtual marketplace is a a lush tapestry depicting a tree. She comments, “Since childhood I’ve always loved nature, specifically trees and how beautiful and majestic they are. Throughout my artistic journey I have enjoyed sharing my creative vision of trees making them out of the repurposed materials that I have overdyed, woven and spun giving new life to old materials. I’m a thrift store shopper and enjoy using found objects as artistic enhancement.”