SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Tucked away on the third floor of Syracuse’s Central Library, honey-colored threads twist and turn and loop around beige knots. Each thread though, tells someone’s story.
The threads now reside on The Growing Hive, an interactive weaving project from artist Tatianna Monet. Participants pick a piece of thread, weave it through Monet’s macramé canvas, and sign their name on a paper nearby — leaving a unique and individualized impact on the artwork.
“Seeing so many people being willing to put themselves out there and leave it on display, I think, shows a lot of gumption and a lot of bravery,” said Monet.
Monet designed the project with bees in mind. Thousands of bees work together to keep the hive healthy and strong.
“It’s really supposed to represent community stewardship and people coming together,” said Monet.
By placing her project in the Central Library, Monet said it also gives people the opportunity to see what’s going on in the community.
“I am really passionate about art being accessible,” said Monet.
The installation is surrounded by meeting spaces, books, and program information — that’s by design.
“It gets people into the library, and you get to see what other programs we have,” said Tom Walters, Director of Communications for Onondaga Public Libraries. “But to be a part of a community project like this, it helps bond people together.”
For Monet, the story of The Growing Hive would not be reflective of the community if it had been placed in a gallery instead.
“I think a lot of times, artistic events or opportunities feel, if they aren’t actually, very restrictive or like they’re for fancy people, but art is for everyone,” said Monet.
There’s also a calming element to weaving, Monet said. The repetitive over-under motion can allow someone’s mind to drift.
“It’s easy to get lost in it,” Monet said. “I don’t know, there’s some peace in that, some calm in that, and I think all of us can relate to wanting some peace and quiet in our heads.”
With Monet’s perspective in mind, the threads snaking their way through the canvas can be seen in a different light. The uniqueness, with each pass over and under the Macramé telling a different story also represents a person — taking the time to add to the project.
A single thread, on its own, looks small on Monet’s knitted portrait, but put together, it tells the story of a community coming together.
The project is still growing. Since opening in the Summer, Monet said there has been a steady stream of participants — and it isn’t going away yet.
The Growing Hive is set to run through Nov. 3, though Monet says there is potential for it to run shorter or longer, depending on how much space is left.