The Alexa Rose Foundation provided me with a remarkable opportunity to grow as an artist, discover a love for acts of service, and develop an appreciation for the thoughtfulness behind handmade gifts and apparel. When I first received this grant, my primary goal was to push my limits as an artist. Through practice, revision, and the completion of a large fiber arts piece, I gained a deeper understanding of the intricate details that contribute to larger creations. This realization shifted my focus toward creating crochet and knit hats. 

Originally, I envisioned using this funding to explore various fiber arts techniques. As someone new to freeform crochet, I was inspired to create a larger fiber art sculpture. I began working on a fish sculpture in my AP 3D Art and Design course but quickly experienced burnout after dedicating around 60 hours to crochet and stitching. Although I completed the sculpture, this intense process was just the beginning of my artistic journey. 

After finishing the fish sculpture, I recognized that my attraction to large fiber pieces stemmed from the community engagement they fostered. However, I also learned that I could easily become burnt out on larger projects and had a tendency to adopt an “all or nothing” mentality. While I had many ideas for new large pieces, I struggled to start any of them. 

Once I completed the salmon head last November, I made my first hat shortly after. To maintain my motivation for crochet and fiber arts, I began making hats for friends and family. This practice allowed me to forge new connections with people and helped me appreciate the act of creating for others. Using the grant funding to purchase yarn, mainly from thrift stores and craft stores, I began to develop a personal style for my hats. 

Last fall and winter, I dedicated a significant amount of time to selling art for friends in bands, often attending music shows 2-3 days a week. This experience provided the perfect opportunity to network and attract “customers” for my hats, which I gave away without accepting payment. I grew to deeply appreciate the joy of creating and gifting handmade items, thriving on the smiles and thank-yous from friends and strangers as they received hats they loved. 

In my original proposal, I budgeted a substantial amount of funding for yarn purchases, and I am pleased to say that nearly all of the money I received went toward that. Each skein I bought allowed me to give new life to materials and share that journey with others. After almost a year of making hats and other small items, I can confidently say I have given away over 40 hats. Attached to this reflection are pictures of some of the hats, many of which are being worn by their new owners. 

Through this process of revision and practice, I discovered a newfound desire to connect with my community through art. Now that I have moved from Boise to Missoula, Montana, for school, I continue to embrace this concept. So far this semester, I have made nine hats, which have enabled me to build lasting connections and create a support network within my greater community. For this, I am forever thankful. Overall, this project not only aligned with my initial vision but also evolved in ways I had not anticipated, contributing significantly to my development as an artist.