The Weave of Her Life: From Childhood to Artistry
Kendall Ross‘s journey into the realm of fiber arts is a narrative rich with tradition and familial bonds. From the tender age of childhood in Oklahoma City, Ross was introduced to the world of crochet by her maternal grandmother. This early tutelage was more than a mere pastime; it was the foundation of a lifelong passion. Ross’s family, particularly the influential women in her life, played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic identity. These relationships, steeped in the craft of creation and storytelling through fiber arts, nurtured not just her skills but also her connection to the medium. It transformed crochet from a hobby into an intrinsic part of her being, demonstrating the profound impact of familial influence on her career.
This connection to fiber arts was further enriched by Ross’s academic pursuits. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in American history, with a focus on women’s history and the racial divides in knitting movements during World War I, she has skillfully woven her historical knowledge into her artwork. This unique blend of personal heritage and academic insight has allowed Ross to craft pieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in narrative depth. Through her work, she endeavors to tell stories, particularly those centered around women’s experiences and contributions, thereby intertwining her family’s legacy with her academic interests to create art that resonates on multiple levels.
Narrative Threads: The Art of Storytelling through Fiber
At the core of Kendall Ross’s work is a profound commitment to storytelling. For Ross, knitting serves as a therapeutic medium, a way to stitch together her emotions, experiences, and memories into a tangible form. This process enables her to transform personal narratives, especially those related to her journey through young womanhood, into compelling pieces of art. By employing a craft traditionally regarded as feminine, Ross challenges societal perceptions, celebrating the intricacies of femininity. Her creations act as diary entries, capturing the essence of her life at 24 and the emotional tapestry it represents. Through this, Ross not only shares her own story but also elevates the medium of fiber arts, redefining its value and significance.
The vibrant colors and original texts that characterize Ross’s work further accentuate her storytelling prowess. By hand-dyeing wool, she captures the exact shades that mirror the emotions or stories she aims to express, turning her wearable art pieces into vivid narratives. The integration of original texts into her creations adds a layer of personal voice, weaving her thoughts and experiences directly into the fabric of her work. This meticulous approach not only distinguishes her pieces for their aesthetic appeal but also for their narrative depth. Through this synthesis of color, text, and craft, Ross navigates the transition from craftsperson to artist, challenging traditional boundaries and asserting her place within the art world.
Kendall Ross: Challenging Tradition, Embracing Artistry
The evolution of Kendall Ross from a fiber craft enthusiast to a recognized artist marks a significant chapter in her career. This transformation was not just a shift in perception but a deliberate act of redefining the value of her work and its place within the broader art community. For Ross, embracing the title of artist meant more than simply refining her craft; it represented a commitment to challenging the historical marginalization of fiber arts and hand-knitting. By doing so, Ross has not only questioned traditional notions of what constitutes fine art but has also carved out a space for herself and other practitioners of traditionally female-dominated crafts. This journey reflects a broader movement towards recognizing the artistic and cultural significance of crafts, pushing against the boundaries that have historically confined them.
Being an artist, to Kendall Ross, extends beyond the creation of aesthetically pleasing objects. It encompasses a deeper, more profound engagement with the medium of fiber arts as a form of expression and storytelling. This recognition has empowered Ross to explore and push the limits of her craft, blending techniques, colors, and narratives to produce works that defy conventional categorizations. In doing so, she not only elevates her creations but also contributes to a reevaluation of fiber arts within the art world. Ross’s approach underscores a critical aspect of contemporary artistry: the ability to challenge and redefine the parameters of artistic practice, thereby expanding the possibilities for creative expression.
“I’d Knit That”: A Manifesto of Creativity and Independence
The playful yet poignant name “I’d Knit That” encapsulates Kendall Ross’s approach to her art and business. It signifies a moment of inspiration, humor, and a declaration of creative independence. This name embodies Ross’s philosophy towards her work: an embrace of ideas, stories, and moments that resonate deeply with her, translated into the medium of knitwear. This approach is not only a testament to her skill and creativity but also to her identity as an artist. “I’d Knit That” represents a commitment to personal vision and narrative, standing as a bulwark against external pressures and expectations. It is a reflection of Ross’s journey, from the intimate teachings of her grandmother to her emergence as a voice within the art world, emphasizing that her work is driven by her own ideas, stories, and experiences.
Looking to the future, Kendall Ross is poised to continue her exploration at the intersection of art, fashion, and storytelling. Her upcoming projects and teaching engagements present exciting opportunities to share her craft, engage with broader communities, and offer insights into the stories behind her pieces. Ross is committed to pushing the boundaries of her work, experimenting with new techniques and materials to realize her creative visions. Her ambition is not just to create but to invite others into the woven narratives of her wearable art, fostering a deeper appreciation for the stories that can be told through fiber. Through “I’d Knit That,” Ross embodies the spirit of innovation and storytelling, charting a course that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
