POKED THE COLLECTIVE
Poked the collective is the result of my final year project at LASALLE College of the Arts. I initiated a collective of needleworkers who channelise the slow and reflective nature of needlework for spreading cultural activism and mental well being amongst the Urban Indian Youth. The aim is to challenge the constant push of rushing head in life , targeting timelines, goals and outdoing others around us. Research tells us this form of peer pressure and stereotyped notions of "making it"in life are a growing cause of mental health concerns. Thus the concept of "slowing down" with needlework was a chance for the Youth to experience the reflective nature of the craft and mull over what they require from their own lives than what the society expects them to do. This was done in the form of a workshop, a handy (on the go) stitch kit ,an editorial that established how the craft is beneficial both at a group and at an individual level of practice in isolation ( particularly during COVID) and an online portal on Instagram that initiated a #GETPOKED challenge.
The Challenge
Needlework is a dying craft in India amongst the westernised Urban Youth. It was difficult to connect them to the craft in itself. Hence the idea was to create quirky and interesting visuals that intrigues and fascinates them.
THE WORKSHOP
The workshop was a fun, playful and reflective way of "slowing down" with the participants. The stages consisted of a four step process and using symbolism to depict a message along the needlework. Since this project was struck by the pandemic, I extended the scope by creating "slow down" kits for students to try these hands on.
THE EDITORIAL
The editorial is the first publication by Poked that focuses on two aspects - 1) establishing the validity of needlework as a mindful practice in a group. This has recorded observations from the workshop that was conducted. 2) It establishes how the craft digs deeper and becomes a mindful tool of expression when individuals are alone/ by themselves. Hence the editorial documents and establishes proof of needlework as a mindful tool of activism both at the individual and group level.
SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS
The collective introduced a campaign called the #getpoked challenge on its Instagram handle @POKEDTHECOLLECTIVE, encouraging the youth to participate in needlework and raise a voice against the fast paced life and peer pressure imposed on young people. The campaign received much support from re known organisation - Youth for Mental Health, India and also received much participation from all over the world.
