That Guy Who Knits

That guy who knits is our very own Catalog Librarian,
Kevin Whitfield. Kevin is an accomplished artist who has expanded the craft of knitting beyond the design of garments into the creation of art objects.

Currently displayed in the Library lobby is some of Kevin's work. The display generated a great amount of interest during the Summer Festival of the Arts.

Following is an excerpt from Kevin's narrative concerning his work:

I began my exploration of knitting as an art form while living in Japan, having been moved by the importance of fiber in their art culture. The production of silk, the weaving and dyeing of fabric, and the use of crude fibers such as rice stems in the creation of rope all influenced me.

As a western artist, I used what skills I had in response to the Japanese influence. I began to reinterpret knitting through the production of body parts, torsos, hands, and heads, which the structure of the traditional garment suggested. I then graduated to the construction of complete knitted figures.



With regards to the written word and textiles, I focus on specific individuals whose experiences and thoughts are transcribed by embroidering over a completed work or words are entered as the fabric is created. I narrow the creation of the "second skin" down to the individual by creating a garment that represents that person's body.

Much of my work develops in response to peoples' personal views, things that they say and their histories, which enrich it.
It is my hope that people will appreciate the versatility of knitting, that they will appreciate the commentary on our society, and hopefully see some of themselves in my work.

Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your talent by creating this display. The "Knitting as an Art Form" display will remain in the lobby of Maag Library through the week of July 14th.