By Ariel Neidermeier
In a world where activism often feels overwhelming, Shannon Downey, the creative force behind Badass Cross Stitch, is stitching her own brand of revolution. Her new book, "Let's Move the Needle," arrives just in time for the 2024 election aftermath, and aims to elevate cross stitching from a craft-forward movement to one that places activism at its core, providing readers with the tools they need to become true change-makers.
As a queer, anti-racist, feminist and anti-capitalist artist, Downey's unique blend of humor, creativity, and strategic activism has made her a standout voice in the craftivism movement. Her work challenges the status quo, amplifies marginalized voices, and proves that art can be a powerful catalyst for long-term societal transformation.
We spoke with Downey about her vision for the future of craftivism, and how she's using needle and thread to stitch together a more just and equitable world.
1. Your book "Let's Move the Needle" focuses on art activism. How do you see craftivism evolving in the current political climate?
Honestly, I wrote this book to help push the movement towards a more rigorous and strategic approach to the activism portion of art artivism and craftivism. I see that craft has created a gorgeous gateway into activism for many (especially women) over the last decade and the momentum seems to only be picking up - especially leading into the election. “Let’s Move the Needle” exists to support those who are finding their way into activism through artistic mediums but don’t necessarily have the training or experience that would help them propel their projects, campaigns and outreach to the level of change making that they desire.
2. As a prominent voice in the craftivist movement, how do you think creative forms of protest can amplify women's voices and concerns in today's political landscape?
I think anything unexpected or subversive draws attention. I am LOVING what I am seeing with so many people of marginalized genders using their creative talents to tell their stories and speak their truths. They are finding endless ways to do this through artistic mediums and their visual nature makes them ripe for social media. These digital tools allow for the mass spread of these messages which in turn inspires others to share their stories and truths. The ripples lead to connections. The connections lead to actions. The actions lead to change.
3. Your "Boys Will Be Boys" design drew significant attention. How do you choose which societal issues to address through your cross-stitch art?
I address whatever I feel called to address. I work in so many different movements that there is always something that needs to be addressed. I try to use my work to bring attention to the issues and most importantly, the actions people can take to address those issues. I really see my role as a recruiter and trainer of burgeoning activists. By shining a light on an array of issues, I am constantly able to bring new comrades into the fold. What might inspire someone might not be interesting to someone else. It’s about helping people find their passion on issues and providing them with the connections to movement leaders so that they can go forth and create change without reinventing the wheel.
4. Can you share an example of how your craftivism has directly impacted a social or political issue, particularly one affecting women's rights?
To be fair, I think all actions have an impact. That said, a more recent example is what I call philanthropic craftivism. When Roe fell, I gathered together 11 prominent craftivists and we developed a year-long fundraising campaign to support Abortion Access Front. The goal was to show up in a way that didn’t require much of the organization but would support them in developing consistent monthly donors. Too often when a major event like this happens, people throw a ton of money at those leading the work but then those donations fall off as people normalize the new reality or are distracted by other issues. I wanted to help stave that off. Each artist created a pattern and we started a pattern of the month club. For a year, anyone who donated at least $10 to AAF would get that month's download as a thank you. At the end of the year we turned all 12 patterns into a bundle and folks who donated over $60 could buy all 12. We were able to raise $5000 for AAF with little work on their end. More importantly, we were able to help folks understand the importance of consistent sustained giving.
5. Your work often combines humor with serious messages. How important is this balance in engaging people with pressing societal issues?
It’s the most important in my opinion. If you can take a serious topic and find a way to infuse it with humor people are much more likely to spend a minute with it. If you, as a creator, feel like a bit of a safe space for people, they are much more likely to consider what you are presenting and stay curious versus immediately shutting down or jumping to anger. It’s all about deescalating especially in digital spaces.
6. In "Let's Move the Needle," you provide a toolkit for art activists. What's one key piece of advice you'd give to someone looking to start their crafting journey?
Start by articulating your why. Identify your mission and vision for the change you hope to create and then find people who are already doing the work and watch, listen and learn from them.
7. How has your experience as a queer, anti-racist, feminist, anti-capitalist individual in the art and activism world shaped your approach to community building through Badass Cross Stitch? How did you land with such a badass name?
My community building is rooted in community organizing. I’m not interested in the communities I form being centered around me. They are centered around change making and around the collective. I think that is why so many people are so happy to be in these communities. In a world of influencers and multi-level marketing scams, I am truly here to offer up a different way of being connected. Folks may join in something I’m doing because they enjoy my work but they quickly realize that I’m not there to tell them what to do. I’m just there to support their visions.
Badass is my favorite adjective. It seemed fitting and if we circle back to my previous answer…it was an unexpected and amusing combination of words.
8. As an educator and activist, how do you envision art contributing to long-term societal change?
Art has led change since the beginning of time. It has shaped culture, beliefs and attitudes. It exposes people to new ideas and new feelings. It demands to be seen and considered. It is an excellent mechanism for building and organizing community. Art uplifts and centers stories and lived experiences that are often silenced. Art is a powerful vehicle for communication across languages and cultures. It is an equalizer. Creating art changes your brain and softens your heart. Art changes society even when that is not the goal.
9. Can you discuss a moment when your work as Badass Cross Stitch challenged or changed your own perspectives on activism?
My approach to my digital spaces has evolved profoundly over the last decade as Badass Cross Stitch. I saw how quickly my work and words could impact people’s behaviors and how they interacted with each other particularly online. When I got started I didn’t realize just how careful I needed to be to ensure that I wasn’t contributing to the bad behavior that we see everyday on social media. I spend an inordinate amount of time considering what I am going to make, how I am going to express myself, what I’m going to ask of people, and how I will manage discussion before I post something. It’s exhausting but it is also absolutely required to ensure that I am not feeding people’s bad wolf.
10. Looking ahead, what's your vision for the future of craftivism in the ongoing fight for women's rights and equity?
It is my hope that everyone in the craftivism space will take an even more rigorous approach to their activism. I would love to see the movement go from craft-forward to activism with a side of craft.
You can learn more about Downey and her work by visiting her website and following her on Instagram, Patreon and Substack.
Aspiring craftivists should also take note of Shannon's 4th annual craftivism grant, a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your own activist art project. Applications open on October 1st and close on December 20th. For more information and to apply, visit badasscrossstitch.com/communityprojects/craftivism-micro-grant.
Shannon Downey aka Badass Cross Stitch is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. She moves people from passive consumers of art into engaged creators. Shannon leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together and offers them opportunities to transition from makers to change makers. Her work is about telling the truth and confronting harsh realities while simultaneously inspiring radical hope and a vision for what is possible.