Political Economic Foundation of the Weaving Revolution:
Philosophy and Praxis (Weaving is Political Movement)
Barter and time-based non-monetary systems of exchange are steps in the right direction, but my proposition goes further and I think the results would be that much more satisfying. A True Gift Economy, where resources are pooled and manufacturing is pleasant and finished goods are given freely to anyone in need, that is what I propose, and I’ve seen it happen! It’s a radical shift, I know, and the capitalist ethos wants us to imagine that people would exploit it, but I have found that, just as it is necessary for us to consume to survive, an essential part of human nature is the compulsion to produce. By framing productive action in pleasant and entertaining ways, using quality materials and tools, people can joyfully produce all things we need to survive, and since the pleasure is in the making, sharing is easy and adds a sense of communal well-being.
Textiles have always been a catalysts for industrial and political change, weaving as a political action has three major advantages: it has a powerful visual and emotional impact, it directly realizes the self-reliance and generosity promoted by our movement, and it has a sensuous, meditative satisfaction that makes it easy to promote. My project, Common Threads, explores ways to demonstrate and spread interest in hand weaving and “slow” production, along with the True Gift ethos, resulting in a growing community of producers who subscribe to this philosophy and are empowered to engage in real exchange with the world on their terms.
