Tuesday, July 17, 2007

What Is the 1,000 Knitters Project?

1,000 Knitters is a long-term photography project undertaken by Chicago photographer (and knitter) Franklin Habit, who blogs at The Panopticon. The goal is to celebrate through portraiture a creative community whose members have historically been either overlooked or sentimentalized, and whose work is often undervalued.

In the series, self-identified knitters are photographed singly while at work on the same wool scarf.

The first knitter cast on in May, 2007. As of July 31, 2008, 946 knitters have taken part.

The final format of the work is yet to be determined. Possibilities include a book and/or a gallery exhibition. Showings of the work-in-progress will likely take place online.

Knitters interested in participating should click here for further information.

Information for Knitters

PLEASE NOTE: As of this writing, all 1,000 spaces have been reserved–though the scarf is still in progress. Many thanks to everyone who expressed an interest!

Until Knitter 1000 casts off, knitters will be needed to add their stitches to the scarf.

Participants need not have previous experience in front of the camera. They need only self-identify as knitters and have a true passion for the craft. Age, race, shape, and gender matter not at all. Please note, however, that children (and adults, for that matter) who sit must be able to work an entire row of approximately 22 stitches without assistance and in a timely fashion.

Shooting will take place either during scheduled public shooting days (notice of which will appear in this blog when details are confirmed); or individual sittings may be scheduled directly with the photographer.

Private shoots will generally take place at the photographer's home studio on Chicago's North Side. To inquire, please write to portraits@franklinhabit.com with the subject line "1,000 Knitters." Be sure to include your desired dates and times for sitting. Driving and/or public transit directions will be provided when a sitting has been confirmed.

All models must agree to complete a standard model release prior to the session. Models under 18 must have their release co-signed by a parent or guardian, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at a private individual sitting.

There is no charge to participate in the project, and models receive no compensation.