Textile Graffiti Remnants Outside Wabi-Sabi
The second Urban Cozy Project maker profile features Carol Secord, owner of the fabulous knit/weave/spin shop Wabi-Sabi in the up-and-coming west-end Hintonburg neighbourhood in Ottawa.
To celebrate the opening of her shop in October 2008, Carol and and other makers placed knitted/woven/spun coverings around lampposts by her store, which is probably one of the very first instances of textile graffiti in Canada’s capital city. The photo above is one of the remnants wrapped around the railing at the front entrance of the store to serve as a reminder.
We nabbed Carol for a few short moments. Here’s what she had to say about her involvement in the WUCP, her love for knitting and how the city has influenced her work.
Carol’s Contribution to the Winterlude Urban Cozy Project
S&N: Describe your contribution to the Winterlude Urban Cozy Project.
CS: I have made a piece with a hand dyed lopi yarn. I dyed it earth colours, brown, gold and green, to remind us of spring. I will also come one day with my daughter to do some installation, she is very excited about it.
Installation at Confederation Park
S&N: How long have you been making things? Are there other ways you get creative e.g. sewing, felting, other ways?
CS: I have been doing stuff with fibre for 20 odd years. It began when I took a spinning class, and then came weaving and then dyeing, and the knitting just happened so I could use up all the wool that I spun.
Inside Wabi-Sabi
S&N: What inspired you to put up textile (knit/crochet, etc) graffiti around your store when it first opened?
CS: I love the idea of knit graffiti, taking knitting out of the house and out of context. I was a fun way to let the neighbourhood know that I was open and not a sushi restaurant.
Outside Wabi-Sabi
S&N: How does your city inspire you creatively? What would you like to see more of in your city?
CS: Ottawa is a very creative city. I love the variety of art galleries, the National Gallery and museums. There is also the knitting guild, weavers guild, and Spins & Needles that offer different learning opportunities.
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Carol, who’s attended Spins & Needles parties in the past, was kind enough to let Wabi-Sabi be the Ottawa drop-off point for Urban Cozy contributions. The shop is located at 1078 Wellington Street near Holland. Hours are 10-5 Monday-Thursday + Saturday, 10-6 Friday and 12-4 Sunday. Phone 613-725-KNIT.
