The Milkweed Project

Say hello to Shan

Shan is a working artist and teacher. She sees beauty in simplicity. She loves to paint. She says "Painting, for me, is a spiritual process. It is my way of winding down and connecting with a greater reason for being. Ironically, it is painting simple objects, rather than ornate ones, that leads me to this place." She also   Her art is in both public and private collections and has been featured in solo and group exhibitions. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Art at Silver Lake College.

She runs The Milkweed Project

What is it?

The Milkweed Project is a collaborative artwork currently in progress.  Hundreds of fiber artists and crafters are knitting, crocheting, felting and spinning white and off-white creations that will be assembled into a giant milkweed pod.  The final, assembled piece is intended to capture the essence of a milkweed pod; its soft, ethereal beauty and its importance to the natural world.

Why a milkweed pod?

This project explores connection: between humans all over the world, between humans and nature and between small things and large.  By taking thousands of tiny stitches and making something huge, we are doing something that can't be done by one person alone, thus emphasizing our connection to each other.

The project also explores our interdependence with nature.  Milkweed pods are a small but important part of the ecosystem.  They spread because of the light nature of their seeds, which are carried by the wind.  By using the internet as the wind, and each participant as a new plant, this project attempts to mimic that process. 

And, milkweed pods are simply beautiful, as is white on white and fiber craft.  I think the potential for a beautiful installation is great.

A peek post below

The Pod.  Watch it grow.

J.Whittemore
Tennessee, United States

These pieces are so soft and diaphanous.  When I opened the box, I felt as if I was unwrapping clouds. The top piece is a full shawl size.  The "Scaruffle" piece is approx. 8 feet in length.  Both are made with vintage Unger Whimsey yarn (70% mohair/30% wool). Thank you!

What a cool idea! Inspiration for me to figure out this crochet thing :)

Check it out!

and please do share with me your favorite LOVELY blogs

xoxo Brandy

Comments

[Brenda Bryan]

Well, of course I love this blog post because Shan is my sister, the most creative and inspiring person I know. I just featured her and your blog on my blog as well. http://poserepose.blogspot.com/

[Shan]

Thanks so much for this lovely post. The Milkweed Pod is honored to be featured here. We are still welcoming new participants. All skill levels are welcome. Thanks again, Brandy!