Annette Hines
Rowan County
Knitted speciality wool shrug/cowl based on the gathering pattern. Full of positive energy!
Artist Statement: My engagement with systematic injustice and systematic racism involves unsettling feelings. I have realized I have a lot to learn and I know I want to move beyond transitions to an inclusive society. While knitting warmhugcity I surround myself with love and learning focusing on issues to learn about systematic racism and systemic injustice.
While knitting warmhugcity I listened to audiobooks, watched movies and YouTube clips about many different issues concerning racism. Participating in this activity is a beginning of putting my craft and words into action. I learned I need to do more than talk about dismantling racism. I need to listen with intention to others experiences and not be the bystander who does nothing. I need to teach others about not being just a quiet bystander. I need to be present and involved. I need to learn more about microaggressions and not use them. When I first heard of microaggressions I thought, well I would never do that. Knitting and listening to several videos about microaggressions I was very embarrassed. Colorblindness has been a huge microaggression of mine, for 49 years I have said we are all humans without bad intentions. I didn’t realize that I was not listening and not acknowledging another’s racial or ethnic experiences. Learning about the colorblindness concept and how harmful that it can be has been a very emotional experience for me. So, you can teach old dogs’ new tricks.
I named this hood/cowl warmhugcity after studying several anti-racist concepts particularly microaggressions. I want my work to be full of positive and supportive feelings so after each audio book or video I prayed for this hood to carry positive vibes. As a parent and member of my community I can help dismantle systemic racism. As I continue my own journey to learn about and commit to anti-racist action, I hope the experience I have had while knitting this hood will be the first of many actions.
This piece is for sale for $200. I will be donating $100 to Rowan chapter of KFTC and $100 to Appalachian GameChangers. Email me to set up electronic payment and I will ship immediately.
To purchase this piece or support this artist, contact them below.
Avid knitter who uses knitting to process and create changes that creatively correspond with my self concept. Growing up in Eastern Kentucky’s hills limited my early interactions with the outside world. This season in my life is focused on transitions and identity. I am a mother of a female EMT and the recent death of Breonna Taylor was horrifying to me. Breonna’s death really sparked a new consciousness that everyone is someone else’s child and I should treat the with as much love as my child.