2009
Spindle 7 was an ongoing performance that took place on the #7 train - the elevated train that runs east/west in Queens before heading under the East River into midtown Manhattan. Sometimes called the "Immigrant Express," the train runs through many of the neighborhoods of Queens that are home to New York City's newest residents.
Throughout the year, I rode the train with my wooden spindle and some wool fleece and spun yarn. Whenever another passenger expressed some interest, I engaged them in conversation about my spindle and what I was doing. If they were willing, I taught them how to spin. Sometimes, they taught me how to spin. I carried extra spindles and fleece for just this purpose.
In April 2009, filmmaker, Marcia Connolley and I road the #7 train for three, full days and documented my encounters. On the third day, I invited other spinners to come join me on the train. Together these experiences were edited by Susan Forste into the short film you can watch below.
Spindle 7 has been generously funded, in part, by the Queens Council on the Arts through its Community Arts Fund grant program.