Today we’d like to introduce you to Linette Knight.
Hi Linette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s wonderful to be back with Voyage! I’m Linette Knight, a crochet mixed-media artist boasting 19 years of experience in crochet and 17 years in the fashion industry. These passions guided me to a four-year tenure as an instructor and exhibition artist-in-residence at Durham’s Golden Belt Campus. I now create out of Haven Farm in Knightdale, where I utilize crochet as both a personal practice and a foundation for community building. My professional journey includes collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh Arts, ArtSpace Raleigh, the Flanders Gallery, and Pullen Arts Center. My work has been highlighted in the Walter Magazine, specifically regarding the Crochet Coral Reef project, and I have had the honor of being featured in Voyage Magazine previously.
My dedication extends beyond artistic creation to sharing crochet as a wellness practice for all generations. I discovered this craft as a vital therapeutic tool for managing chronic pain related to an autoimmune condition and for maintaining focus while living with ADD. Through my exploration of the medium, I’ve found that the repetitive nature of stitching serves as a form of meditation, effectively soothing the mind and reducing stress.
Haven Farm was born out of a desire to create a sanctuary for healing and self-discovery across all generations. Their mission centers on helping individuals reconnect with themselves through a holistic blend of meditation, yoga, plant medicine, community engagement, ancestral wisdom, and ongoing education. In addition to their wellness offerings, I am passionate about fostering creativity; I host specialized crochet workshops and art classes designed to empower participants to elevate their fiber arts practice. Every aspect of the farm is rooted in the belief that when we slow down to connect with our roots and our community, we find the clarity and peace we’ve been seeking.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building my practice has been a turbulent journey, as I’ve discovered that being an artist is fundamentally a process of experimentation. I’ve realized the importance of working discreetly while moving with the confidence that my ambitions are already reality. By seeking mentorship from established artists and drawing on the guidance of community elders, I have been able to sharpen my creative vision and clarify the intent behind my work. My practice is deeply intertwined with my spirituality; I trust my intuition—specifically my Sacral Chakra—to lead me toward the right decisions.
Pushing my artistic boundaries is a necessity, which often involves testing new mediums and techniques. This comes with its own technical difficulties, such as sourcing materials that remain durable in humid climates. Beyond these physical constraints, I am driven to tackle challenging subject matter. I feel a responsibility to guide my audience toward fresh viewpoints, utilizing my art to trigger meaningful dialogue on critical issues, including health, politics, environmental justice, and racial equity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My artistic practice is rooted in a deliberate process of research and the curation of found objects. I specialize in fiber art, breathing new life into recycled materials and fabric remnants—particularly vibrant African wax prints. My toolkit is unconventional, centered around a projector, which allows me to achieve precise, sharp details, alongside a glue gun, yarn, a crochet hook, and scissors. While I began my journey focusing on portraits, my work has evolved into an expansive exploration of abstraction, animal studies, and intricate collage-based backgrounds.
I am most proud of my growth as an artist, specifically in how I have developed my own signature technique. To accommodate the physical challenges of arthritic spurs on my spine, which prevent me from traditional tufting, I have pioneered a method of manipulating yarn with adhesive. This allows me to create nuanced shading and light-to-dark gradations that set my work apart from standard fiber art. By sealing the fibers, I ensure the longevity of the pieces while minimizing maintenance and color fading; it is my way of “locking in the love.” This approach has also enabled me to become a mobile artist; by utilizing a wireless glue gun and a portable power source, I am able to perform live fiber painting anywhere, offering my community an innovative art form they have rarely experienced before.
What are your plans for the future?
My vision for the future centers on elevating my artistic practice, a path I feel guided to follow. I am eager to resume curating exhibitions that amplify the work of emerging, visionary creators, helping to elevate their distinct perspectives. Additionally, I intend to revisit fashion design with a focus on producing upcycled, wearable pieces. By embracing perpetual growth and learning, I remain receptive to unfolding opportunities.
Beyond my personal projects, I am dedicated to expanding my reach in supporting children on the autism spectrum, both within my community and abroad. My core ambition is to facilitate artistic access for underserved populations, providing those who are often overlooked with the tools to express their narratives, honor their heritage, and ensure their perspectives are truly seen and heard.
Pricing:
- Crochet workshops are $11 per person ( bring your own yarn and hook) Located at Haven Farm of Knightdale
- Art classes are $40 a person ( I provide all material) Also located at Haven Farm of Knightdale
- Canvases range from $450 to $3000 (depending on subject matter, details, and materials.) payment plan available (with 40% down)
- Live painting sessions ( private parties and events) $250 an hour (with deposit)
- Free live painting for open to the public Art events.(all proceeds go to the the Artist)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mrs.Bird01 or House_of_eloise_1913
- Facebook: Linette Smith (Linette Knight)
