On the Importance of Making Ugly Art
In the Before TimesTM, I started using a loom to knit. I’m not sure how I got into fiber arts—it was, most likely, one of those hobbies I fell into during a bout of “productive procrastination” crossed with “meaning but practical gifts I can make while watching TV.” Beadweaving, which I’ve done for over twenty years, requires a well-lit space and magnifying glasses at this point.
So, I picked up a set of knitting looms* and read blogs like LoomaHat.com and KnittingBoard.com. And, at first, I really sucked at it.
The first couple of cowls I made had super loose cast on stitches and were either the wrong size—too big, too small—or woven so tight they curled. I thought the solution was to get blocking squares and blocking pins, but that wasn’t the issue. The problem I was having wasn’t actually a “problem” after all. I simply didn’t have enough experience to internalize what I needed to do through trial and error. I was new to loom knitting and, just like any other hobby, I needed to keep knitting in order to learn and understand my mistakes. That, of course, didn’t stop my addiction to cool yarn—I got some from a few exchanges with friends, but discovered shops like Broke Mary’s on Etsy, too. Yarn, like beads, can be addicting.
This year, I finally managed to “upgrade” to lace, learn a bit more about the different types of yarn and how to read patterns. I recognized that I prefer a customizable loom capable of weaving, too. Going forward, I’m hoping to knit more intricate patterns that includes cabling and, perchance, a sweater or two.
There’s been a lot of trial-and-error learning a new hobby, but for me loom knitting is an example of the reason why I feel making ugly art is so important. I’m not loom knitting because I need to be the best at it, or because I’m selling any of my pieces right now. I’m loom knitting because I am an artist who needs to create and grow. And, as part of my journey, I’m plotting a course by figuring out where I want to channel my energy—loom knitting is just one example.
I am choosing to make art that can never be taken away from me.
I don’t care if machines can knit, or that AI can produce patterns. It doesn’t matter to me that someone else can knit better than me or has been knitting longer than me. I am not comparing my loom knitting to anyone else, either. Simply, I’m knitting because it’s something I enjoy and can wear. Every piece I make allows me to perceive my mistakes, learn from them, and then challenge myself to try something new. If I knit an ugly sweater for the first time? Okay, great. I knitted an ugly sweater that didn’t exist before; I can always unravel it and try again.
To get to this point, where I feel confident enough in my abilities to loom knit an ugly sweater—I needed to loom knit the ugly cowl, the laughably oversized shawl, the tiny scarf and the leg warmers with the ultra-tight stitches. I needed the freedom to explore a new hobby by making mistakes. I needed the ability to make those mistakes for myself without someone watching over my shoulder judging every stitch.
I need to make mistakes.
Mistakes are foundational to my learning process. They also help me feel proud and accomplished after I do knit something I feel is beautiful.
I do want to recognize that the power of making ugly art is also a privilege depending on your situation and the resources you have at your disposal. The materials aren’t free and time is precious. I’m not selling my creations yet, if at all, and I am consciously setting aside the time to learn. And I recognize that. But, if all things considered, you read this post and feel anxious or afraid?
Make ugly art.
It doesn’t matter what type of creative you identify as: amateur, crafter, hobbyist, professional. It doesn’t matter what kind of art you make, either, whether you’re crafting stories, taking photographs, making sculptures, drawing comics, etc. There’s no such thing as a creative individual who doesn’t have room to grow.
Even if it’s for five minutes, I encourage you to try something new. Pick a new form in your preferred field or something entirely different. Take the leap! Make ugly art. Then make more ugly art. After a while, you might discover you’ve planted the seeds for wonderful art that is unquestionably yours.
* This post does contain affiliate links for the loom knitting materials I’ve used. If you want to join in loom knitting, you can also find looms at most craft stores and on eBay as well. Yarn is available in multiple craft and specialty stores as well.