Words: Ingrid Keneally
US-based London Kaye started crocheting at the age of thirteen when she was a student ballerina in New York. Taking inspiration from the vibrant street-art scene, she found her own signature style creating a beautiful ethereal art-form layering up fences, trees and subway cars with her crochet works.
London made her debut in fall 2013 at New York Fashion Week collaborating with the award-winning designer Tia Cibani. Kaye’s works have adorned the windows of ABC Carpet and Home, and recently she has ‘crocheted’ major pieces for Starbucks, Drake Hotel, Isaac Mizrahi and Michael’s Craft Stores. Take note. There will be much more to come.
1. Describe how you work with wool:
I am a street artist in NYC. I crochet whimsical things out of yarn and hang them on trees, fences, subway poles, and walls around New York City and Brooklyn.
2. A pivotal moment in your early career:
I met the artist Olek - she uses yarn as her medium, and that inspired me to try and put one of the scarves I had crocheted around the trunk of a tree. It was two years ago now, and it is still there.
- A key moment from your childhood that might have influenced what you do now:
I was a ballet dancer growing up. Every day I would go to rehearsal and class after school. My freshman year of high school I injured my back and had to stop dancing for a while. Because I could not be active with my body, I would crochet. It would relax me and keep my mind active and happy. One of my favorite things to crochet is ballerinas - they always have colorful tutus and perfect technique.
The professional achievement you’re most proud of:
I crocheted the inside of a subway car on Valentine’s Day. I covered all of the poles with pink and red yarn, and hung little hearts all around. It took about two hours and no one stopped me. It was so exciting because such a diverse group of people got to interact with the art. It was astonishing to me how happy it made everyone feel.
- Any thoughts about what you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career in wool?
It would have been nice to have been taught a few more stitches early on – I use single crochet for basically everything I do. YouTube has taught me everything else. I still think I should take a proper crochet lesson one of these days.
- Why do you think wool/hand-made textiles happen to be one of the hottest trends right now?
In the street art world painted murals have become the norm. I think that by using texture and yarn it is making people look at things in a different way.
7. Describe your dream wool project:
My dream wool project is to cover the Hollywood Sign in yarn. I can do it one day.
8. One item of clothing, made out of wool or cotton or textile art, that has something special about it to you, and why?
I have crocheted my sneakers and I absolutely love them. They make any outfit unique and fun. Recently I did a limited run of Nike Sneakers for Sugarlift Gallery. Shameless plug, but I love them so much I want to share them with the world. You can check them out here:
- One artist who works in wool/textiles who’s relevant to you, and why:
Olek. She just crocheted a monument in Chili.
10. Best beginner’s task:
A scarf with a huge crochet hook. Easy, quick, and rewarding.
11. The KPC yarn hue that speaks volume to you, and why:
Novomerino Chunky, Color Peacock. I love to crochet with thick and chunky yarn - it feels so good.