A bridge between two Labrador communities is looking a lot more colourful and inviting thanks to an artist's special project.
Saskatchewan artist Karlie King spent several days last week on the North West River Bridge, which connects the communities of Sheshatshiu and North West River, covering the hand rail in hand-knitted and crocheted patterns.
"It's basically like one really long legwarmer for the railing," King told CBC.
Karlie King has been getting help from locals on the bridge project, such as from Elizabeth Penashue, left. (John Gaudi/CBC)
The technique is called yarn-bombing, a trend that involves covering public objects in wool or other knitted materials to make them stand out or softer and warmer to the touch.
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The trend has become popular throughout the world as both a way to make cold metal railings warmer to the touch, as well as an artistic expression. King said both those principles are what led her to want to cover the North West River bridge railing.
"The bridge is metal, so by wrapping the warm hand-knit around the metal what's happened is as I watch people walk across the bridge back and forth it's become a more comfortable experience, she said.
"Where [the rail] is still metal they won't touch, but as soon as the knitting or crocheting starts they will run their hand across the railing as they cross."
Karlie King says yarn bombing is not only art, but actually makes the bridge more inviting as the rail will be softer and warmer to touch for those crossing on foot. (John Gaudi/CBC)
King has taken part in yarn-bombing projects before, such as covering tree trunks, a piano in Saskatchewan, and even once covered a jock strap for a player in a hockey tournament.
Her process for the bridge project involved her choosing bright, colourful materials to work with, then measuring it to fit the railing and sewing it together on the rail.
She's had help from locals, including some children who pitched in to completed sections of the bridge, and she said the response from people so far has been fantastic.
"It's been probably one of my most well-received art projects," she said.
