Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Gerrymandering the Marsh, 2021
Wool and linen yarns, felted wool, leather, linen, cotton fabric, wire mesh, day lily leaves, grapevines, rubber inner tubes, plastic bags, mulberry paper, rocks, wood, rigid foam, stone clay, acrylic paint, wire, hardware, custom printed cardboard cubes full installation 43 x 144 x 108 inches
Gerrymandering the Marsh explains a critical aspect of the American electoral system. Its origins lie in the earliest days of the Republic, but sophisticated computer software has made the current practice of manipulating district boundaries more potent. The citizens in the marsh are represented by green herons and salamanders. The birds are alert as they crouch quietly, ready to snatch their prey. Richly textured patterns on the birds’ backs evoke feathers. The varied colors of fabric and yarn capture the way birds’ feathers change color with the light: green, blue, and mauve. Each pedestal grouping represents one legislative district with three voters. Count the birds and herons to see why district lines matter. Then consider the childishly drawn shapes adorning the pedestals. They are actual Congressional maps.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Gerrymandering the Marsh (detail), 2021
linen yarn, wool felt, cotton fabric, mulberry paper, wood, rigid foam, stone clay, rocks, wire, fabric stiffener, acrylic paint 15 x 23 x 27 inches (this bird)
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Knit Democracy Together, 2021
yarn, felt, knitting needles, enamel, foam board, rigid foam, metal tin, dowels 41 x 68 x 33 inches
This sculpture represents an ideal image of democracy where everyone in society is represented in government. Assembled from blocks knitted by participants in my Knit Democracy Together knitting circles, the knitted state capitol embodies the aspirations of individuals from many parts of the community. The colors are varied and the textures range from plain to complex, just like people. Their diversity attests to the broad community input necessary for a strong democracy. Hands holding knitting needles work to complete the structure. With yarn wound around their fingers and stitches on their needles, the work is ongoing. The humble tools used for constructing this legislative building reinforce the idea that ordinary people taking small actions can accomplish great things.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
And they all cook with cabbage, 2018
Yarn, mulberry paper, wire, rigid foam, wood, acrylic paint, printed recipes 9 x 24 x 15 inches
I set an unremarkable cabbage on a bed of international recipes. It’s a common food to many, regardless of country of origin. My great-grandparents immigrated to America in the 1900’s. Their neighbors came from many countries, but it’s likely all these people ate cabbage. Whether Irish colcannon, Russian borscht, or Chinese cabbage stir fry, these dishes share a core ingredient.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Energy, 2020
acrylic yarn, wire, dowel, on lamppost 10 feet x 16” x 16”
Street lanterns have been lit by candles, gas, and electricity. Their power sources are a microcosm of technological developments. Most of us are disconnected from the sources that power our lights and appliances. I wrapped this lantern in warmth and brightness to highlight wind as one way to generate electricity. Wind in fabric sails began powering ships and mills centuries ago. The knitted lace on this lantern depicts modern wind turbines that generate power today.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Encroachment (detail), 2018
Handspun yarns, commercial yarn, canvas, wire, plumbing components 11 x 15 x 12 inches
Two little brown wrens hop through the landscape, landing on strange metal objects. A metal hose and pipe encroach on this deceptively picturesque scene. The lush knitted cushion of vegetation is scarred by a muddy tire track cutting a swath across the floral carpet. The cannon-like end of the real estate developer's water pipes is aimed directly at the birds.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Trawling the Algae Overload, 2017
Wool yarns, felted wool, mulberry paper, rubber inner tubes, corn on the cob tray, canvas, acrylic paint 13 x 28 x 22 inches
The lustrous white feathers of this majestic pelican evoke an image of simple purity. The pelican’s neck stretches tall, arcing toward the powerful, but empty, beak. This bird finds no food in the algae-choked waters through which it glides. The black waters harbor no fish. The knitted and felted yellow-green algae have choked all life from their depths. The softness of the yarn invites you to reach out toward the bird to save it from starvation. Looking at the glint in the bird’s yellow-rimmed eyes and its slightly parted beak, you can almost hear the bird’s sharp call. Pushing forward, it lifts its wings ready for flight.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
At the Expense of Democracy, 2019
Wood knick knack shelf, yarn, mulberry paper, vintage postcards, canvas, acrylic paint, reed, U.S. currency, printed distorted corporate logos,wire, leather, metal clip, stone clay 26 x 26 x 10 inches
I have adapted nature’s tale of predator and prey into an allegory about political campaign donors. The grand owl dominates the scene, controlling the pigeon who sits on the window ledge. The owl’s wings are tipped with money which the great bird bestows on the receptive pigeon. Pigeons are known for not cleaning their nests, and this one is laced with the owl's money. Meek and mute in the face of the owl’s power, the pigeon adopts legislation that favors the owl’s interests. Meanwhile, another pigeon legislator, one not controlled by the owl's purse strings, prepares to sound the alarm, carrying a message of warning in its backpack.
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Water’s Edge, 2018
Wool yarn, linen yarn, mulberry paper, canvas, waxed linen, found objects 13 x 14 x 14 inches
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan
Rosa, the Resurgent Beauty, 2016
Knitted yarns, fused silk, wire, canvas, rubber, trash 18 x 23 x 14
This piece is an exuberant tribute to the wild rose bush, which looms large in my memory of New England shoreside vacations. The delicate flowers perfume the air with their spicy bouquet. This hardy plant with its thorny stems seemingly can grow anywhere. Its persistent stalks push through the roughest terrain, as here through a pile of discarded trash. It promises hope and beauty.
