Kim Laidler is an artist and craftivist who uses textile and craft techniques to create outdoor installations or yarn bombs (the crafty world’s version of street art). They started creating their yarn bombs to hi-light what they feel is the magic of unloved places. Kim also feels that their work celebrates nature and how these spaces feel safe to them. Kim is also a peer support worker for CPSL Mind.
Kim hosted a set of fun and cheeky ‘Stitch and Bitch’ meet ups, where people could practice their craft and be in a relaxed, accessible environment with other DDN people. Inspired by the conversations during the Stitch and Bitch sessions, Kim made 2 yarn bombs. The first, a tongue-in-cheek play on the Blue Badge, and the second a powerful reminder to look after yourself. These yarn bombs were firstly hung in the window of Unit 27, and now you may spot them as you use the crossing in the city centre.
In the RAD Collections Exhibition, Kim also hosted an interactive chalkboard, where people who visited the gallery wrote notes or drew in answer to three questions:
- What is the worst piece of advice or comment you have been given?
- Where do you feel safe?
- What hope do you hold for yourself?
People wrote humorous and heartfelt messages of their experiences.
