Sorry Fence

[kakariki]

On Wednesday the Australian Prime Minister apologised to the Stolen Generation for the policy of stealing aboriginal children from their families.  It was part of the White Australia policies from the 30's to the 70's.  For more info on what it's all about see my blog http://radicalcrossstitch.com/2008/02/15/sorry-fence/

I spent 7 hours cross stitching a fence with finger knitted wool (I hate to think how many hours that took to make) with the word Sorry.  I've incorporated the design of the Aboriginal land rights flag into the design.

It was a major mission but I'm so pleased with how it came out.



a close up of one of the letters



the work in progress



I am really proud of this.

[sweets4ever]

Wow, that's crazy!!

Is it somewhere where it won't be harmed?  I hope so!

[ruby_soho]

that's incredible! 

now i need to read about that policy... insane!

no one will come and take down your "sorry"... will they???  i hope not

[beccacc]

oh wow thats wonderful

[nofury]

What a beautiful project. Well done!

[kakariki]

It's on a fence that's part of a bar and they asked me to do it so it probably won't be harmed during their opening hours.  But it is an alleyway in the city so I don't expect it to last forever.  It will probably outlast some of the nearby graffiti though!

[nightal1031]

I love this. I love it when art and graffiti have some sort of message.
I didn't know about these policies, I'm going to have to read about them

[Cinnam0n_spider]

Seriously this is really thoughtful and looks awsome. You should be proud!

[kakariki]

Thanks everyone.  I'll just put on my activist hat for a second and say that the issues being faced by the Aboriginal People are just appalling.  The Australian Government is still following outdated, protectionist, racist policies and the situation here is just tragic.  For many Aboriginal People, especially in remote communities, it is a daily issue of survival.  I could go on for ages but instead I can point anyone interested out to a couple of sites worth checking out.  Here's a opinion piece I wrote during the Commonwealth Games a couple of years ago, we had a big convergence here for that http://radicalcrossstitch.com/2006/03/09/stolen-or-sharing-wealth/
And this is the main website for ANTaR which is one of the main organisations that works in solidarity with Aboriginal Peoplehttp://www.antar.org.au/.

Thanks for your interest in this vital issue.

xox

[TheAmarant]

I've got to say, this rocks.  You did an amazing job, it's fascinating and incredibly unique.   Thank you for mixing crafting and graffiti, you've absolutely made my night.