Circle 007, 30 September 2020

 The final circle, comprising of three participants.

There were expert yarn makers in this circle! Elizabeth from the second circle at Mårdastugan had formed this circle. The circles formed by word of mouth. People who had participated in previous circles formed their own group. A key aspect to the project; by sharing experience people come together. Nothing was advertised. This means things take longer to gain momentum, and for word to get out.

The venue is a place where weaving is done, and I think all the participants were weavers. During our chatting it was suggested that the balls of yarn produced during the project be the material from which a trasa matta (ragrug) be woven. This mat would be the 'sculpture' of the project. Elizabeth said she was willing to facilitate the weaving at Mårdastugan.

I love this idea, especially as it emerged from the process of the project and that the ragrug is a traditional and well known technique in Sweden. I had no prior knowledge of this. Elizabeth said younger people show no interest in the tradition, hopefully some of the teenagers from the Epic sessions will be curious. 

 

Although U[ntelling]s[tories] was truncated by covid, and technology had to be employed, I believe the project was successful. I was lucky to catch a glimpse into the world of Tranås and I hope some day I get to visit. 

Reflection:

It felt like the project was beginning to gain some traction, which could have developed into something more substantial. I was learning on my feet with the remote techno aspect and need to develop more skill in this department. 

The interactions felt meaningful. Participants were present and willing to engage and share. We came together and produced something bigger than ourselves. 

The idea to make a ragrug with the yarn is the cherry on the top.

This ties the project, which is international, global and universal; the stories we form identities from, to something local and specific;  Tranås, Sweden and the tradition of the trasa matta. This emerged from the project. It was not contrived nor anticipated. I feel blessed that this be the outcome. It comes as a gift in spite of limitations. The power of art and human connectedness shines through.