Friends of Sweaterman

These costumes continue to explore the traditions and patterns of knitting that Sweaterman started. Bobbleman continues that exploration by covering the torso and other areas of the costume with the decorative textural knit bobble. In the color of the costume and their abundance these bobbles become like nipples, breasts, acne, or tumors run amok. The hero’s costume may be betraying his body, revealing the vulnerability of the flesh no matter how finely sculpted. They also remind me of shamanic garments that are covered by small packets meant to protect the wearer. Perhaps these are then a form of armor, a talisman or piece of magic that enable him to perform his self-appointed duties.

Argyleman is one of a series of hand knit superhero costumes whose identity is based on knitting traditions. These invented heroes combine the process of knitting and its traditions, generally associated with women, with the hyper-masculine world of the comic book superhero. Argyle in these colors reminds me of my preppy high school years in western Massachusetts. So Argyleman could be the embodiment of my outsider intellectual past made into a macho superhero costume through the dynamic process of hand knitting.

Big Ends Man, Ends Man and Every-Any-No Man are based on the tradition of ends sweaters which are made from left over yarn.


Bobbleman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2006. 80" x 23" x 6"


Endsman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2010. 80" x 23" x 6"


Ribbed. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2009. 80" x 28" x 6"


Ribbed 2. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2010. 80" x 23" x 6"


Spiritman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2013. 80" x 23" x 6"


Spiritman 2. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2013. 80" x 23" x 6"


Spiritman 3. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2013. 80" x 23" x 6"


Y Man. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2013. 80" x 23" x 6"



Argyleman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2007. 80" x 23" x 6"


Big Batman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2012. 80" x 23" x 6"



Big S Man 2. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2013. 80" x 23" x 6"


Big S Man. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2012. 80" x 23" x 6"