Chicago is under attack right now and our communities are stepping up big time to protect our neighbors from being abducted and disappeared. An important component to this resistance is covering our communities and neighborhoods in messaging that demonstrates what we stand for.
As Timothy Snyder writes in his book, On Tyranny, we must take responsibility for the face of the world.
In the politics of the everyday, our words and gestures, or their absence, count very much. You might one day be offered the opportunity to display symbols of loyalty. Make sure that such symbols include your fellow citizens rather than exclude them.
There are many ways to do this. Some of my favorites include: stickers, postering, and spray paint stencils.
I’ve been leaving stickers all over Chicago in free little libraries for you to put up in your neighborhoods. If you want me to mail you some directly, you can buy a bundle here. If you are into fiber arts, I also made embroidery patterns for you.
If postering feels like a fun idea to you, I have a tutorial here for you. Wheat paste is FUN. You can download any of these stencils and paste them up in your neighborhood. Of course, you can make your own posters and paste them up…you don’t need me for that but my tutorial will show you how to make your own paste and apply.
A more permanent option, is to use spray paint. I’ve put together a tutorial and a bunch of downloadable patterns below. They would look great on your driveway, garage door, or any other public facing property that you own or really anywhere you see fit.
Happy crafting!
Materials: Cutting board, x-acto knife, tape, rubber gloves, spray paint. NOTE: spray paint cannot be sold in Chicago proper, you have to head to the suburbs to purchase.
Print out your stencil of choice. Tape to your cutting board. Use the x-acto to cut out the letters/images.
A sharp x-acto is required. Use card stock or heavier paper for durability.
When your stencil is cut, remove the tape carefully and head outside!
Put on your gloves, lay or tape the stencil, hold the can at an angle approximately 10 inches from the stencil and spray while moving the can left to right.
Tah-dah! Grab your stencil and spray paint and carry on.
Obviously, these are not JUST for Chicagoans to use but some of the stencils are Chicago-centric. You can download these stencils by clicking on the image.
Stay Safe! Stay strong! Don’t let the bastards grind you down.
