Research Project - 'The Everyday Creativity of Women Craftmakers'

A few weeks ago I participated in a research project called 'The Everyday Creativity of Women Craftmakers' which is a project of the Victoria University being conducted by Marty Grace and
Enza Gandolfo.

For those who are interested the project was designed to ".. explore the role of craft making in women’s lives, its meanings, intergenerational connections and links with mental health and wellbeing. The research focuses on women’s engagement with craft making such as knitting, embroidery, crochet, and quilting. We are fascinated by the ongoing popularity of craft making, including among young women, and women from different cultures and socio-economic groups. Our own experiences and observations show that craft making, rather than being a time filler for people with little else to do, is actively pursued and prioritised by women with many competing options and demands.
While some research has been undertaken on the impact of community arts on mental health and wellbeing, and on the value of art for those recovering from mental and physical illness, there is very little research on individual women’s creativity as practised through craftwork outside of a specific therapeutic context. We contend that for at least some women craftwork provides a powerful creative outlet that contributes to their mental health and wellbeing.
For this research, we will interview women craft makers about the roles and meanings craft making has in their lives. We will interview eight to ten women of different ages and from different cultural backgrounds. Where possible, we will include women from different generations of the same family in order to explore themes of intergenerational connection. During these interviews we will explore the origin of each woman’s interest in craft making, her past and current engagement with craft, and the roles and meanings of craft making in her life.
All the interviews will be transcribed, coded and analysed according to key themes and narrative sequences. Project outcomes will include an exhibition of craft works from participants, a catalogue, and a short film. The results of the research will be reported in newsletters, print media, scholarly journals and via conference papers."

On the 15th June I was filmed walking around my unit showing the quilts and other things I have made and talking about each project. I was then interviewed and asked lots of questions about the role that quilting, knitting and other crafts have played in my life. It was really interesting thinking about why I do craft and how it's been something that has played a big role in my life, particularly when I have been sick spending weeks in hospital.

I am looking forward to seeing the results of the research and seeing the film, catalogue and exhibition of the different crafts made by the other people who took part in the project.