Shedding the Shackles: Women's Empowerment through Craft

Shedding the Shackles is a documentary film that celebrates female inventiveness and aesthetic sensibility by showcasing women's craft enterprises and their positive impact on breaking the poverty cycle. It highlights the undervalued and marginalised craft skills of the past and how attitudes have changed over decades to recognise textile crafts as a form of fine art. The film features artisans and projects from around the world, providing a fascinating glimpse into how these craft initiatives have created sustainable lifestyles and impacted communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shedding the Shackles is a captivating exploration of the remarkable contributions of women in the realm of craft. It delves into the world of women's craft enterprises, showcasing their exceptional artisanal excellence and the profound impact their individual projects have on breaking the cycle of poverty.

In the early 20th century, craft skills, such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, and quilting, were often viewed as mere domestic pastimes for women, undervalued and marginalized. It took several decades for attitudes to shift, for the boundaries between 'fine art' and 'craft' to blur, and for textile crafts to receive the same respect and recognition as other media.

Featuring artisans and projects from diverse corners of the globe, Shedding the Shackles celebrates their vision and motivation, offering a fascinating glimpse into how these craft initiatives have fostered a sustainable lifestyle and made a lasting impact on their communities.

The film sheds light on the historical context of women's craft, tracing the roots back to the Victorian era when these skills were considered a feminine domain. It highlights the challenges women faced in pursuing their passion for craft, including societal expectations, limited access to education and resources, and the devaluation of their work.

However, Shedding the Shackles showcases the resilience and determination of women who have defied these barriers. It reveals how they have transformed traditional craft techniques into contemporary art forms, creating unique and beautiful pieces that are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The film also explores the economic empowerment that comes with women's craft enterprises. By providing employment opportunities and generating income, these projects have helped break the cycle of poverty, enabling women to support themselves and their families.

Furthermore, Shedding the Shackles emphasizes the social and cultural significance of women's craft. It showcases how these projects have brought communities together, fostering a sense of pride and identity and promoting cultural exchange.

The artisans featured in the film share their stories of inspiration, resilience, and the transformative power of their work. They demonstrate how craft can be a means of self-expression, healing, and social change, providing a platform for women to voice their opinions and advocate for their rights.

Shedding the Shackles is a powerful testament to the incredible talent and creativity of women in the craft world. It encourages us to recognize the value of women's craft and to support the efforts of these artisans in creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.

In conclusion, Shedding the Shackles is a must-watch film for anyone interested in art, culture, and social justice. It celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the craft sector and sheds light on the transformative power of their work. By supporting women's craft enterprises, we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Weight: 1026g
Dimension: 270 x 284 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789940152