LINDSAY HAYNES

POM-POM

In recent years, I have really gotten into crafty art forms. I chose to do the pom-pom as my object because it is something I've always wanted to work with and explore as an art form. I conducted a lot of research about the history of the pom-pom and found out a lot of neat facts. I also researched artists who work with pom-poms and discovered Suzan Shutan and Troy Emery; their work really inspired me to start making art with pom-poms.

https://medium.com/@dzilsov/pom-poms-history-788ed3175d07
https://mixtermaxter.com/history-of-the-pompom/
https://www.marthastewart.com/1098945/decorative-past-powerful-past-pom-pom
https://colorations.com/articles/the-colorful-history-of-the-pom-pom/
https://theoutline.com/post/868/why-do-we-all-have-pom-pom-balls-on-our-hats?zd=1&zi=qrrmv4ft
http://troyemery.net/grad-show/239jxtzjgxoliojnryb4ej0y131eqa
http://www.suzanshutan.com/pom-poms

Typology / POV (Point of View)

Building Awareness / Visual Storytelling

For my accordion book, I took inspiration from children's books. I wanted to make it as bright and as colorful as I could. I researched pom-poms and found that llamas and alpacas are known to wear them in Peru. I included historical facts as well in the book for people to read. It has a Dr. Seuss vibe to it that I think kids would really be drawn to. This book is 7 x 40 in, and was made using copic markers.

Object Transformation Into Intention

For my poster, I wanted to create a powerful message that also included pom-poms in some way. I have always been passionate regarding animals rights issues and saving endangered or threatened species. I researched endangered animals that have spots so I could feature the pom-poms. I chose a giraffe and leopard, since they are recognizable. The idea for the poster is that their spots (the pom-poms) are disappearing and dwindling down, meaning they are dying out and are at risk of disappearing. This poster was made in Adobe Illustrator.

Generating A New Interpretation

For my final project, I wanted to create something fun, bright, and full of texture. I used a wide variety of colors, as well as many different types of yarn. Given what our world is experiencing right now, my goal was to create something colorful and happy. I want my piece to make people smile. I also want this piece to inspire others; many times, "crafty" art forms aren't taken seriously in the art world, and I aim to diminish that idea and inspire others to be bold and explore different forms of art. This piece is 23 x 35 in. on a piece of cork board.

What Next?

I have enjoyed working with pom-poms so much, that I have decided to continue making more pom-pom art. I feel I really connect with this medium, like it speaks to me as an artist. I'm even creating larger pieces now. My newest work in progress is a pom-pom wall piece on a 36 in. wooden circle. I also created a zine about my pom work. I'm excited to see where my pom-pom journey will take me.