Meet Linette Knight

We were lucky to catch up with Linette Knight recently and have shared our conversation below.

Linette, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Voyage for providing such an exceptional platform, which effectively connects artists and small business owners with a wider audience.
From a young age, I have thrived in creative environments. I vividly recall the immense satisfaction derived from constructing detailed dollhouses and creating hand-stitched garments for my dolls. My mother consistently fostered a creative spirit within me through her own artistic endeavors, particularly her appreciation for the natural layers, textures, and colors of wood.

As previously mentioned in my first two articles, I was diagnosed with three types of arthritis and have three arthritic spinal spikes. My mom made it her mission to instill in me a “no give up, no give in” understanding of myself. Encouraging me to find something to focus on other than the pain.

My mother’s sketches captivated me, particularly her ability to both exaggerate images and maintain a striking likeness to her subjects. This inspired me to pay closer attention to details, and I began sketching family, friends, and various clothing designs.

High school provided an opportunity to explore various interests, including clay art, fashion design, and sports. I excelled in these activities, but I particularly enjoyed the tactile experience of working with materials and the satisfaction of creating aesthetically pleasing designs that enhanced the human form. Ultimately, my passion centered on the intricacies of fabrics, colors, designs, and their impact on the body.

A sense of incompleteness emerged, and prolonged periods at the sewing machine began to take their toll. I sought a creative outlet that could serve as both a creative space and a meditative sanctuary. Observing a friend’s engagement with crocheting ignited within me a profound aspiration to achieve mastery of the craft. Initially, the basic stitches proved exceptionally challenging, leading me to set aside the hook and yarn. However, my mother’s unwavering words, “No give up, no give in!” resonated strongly. Consequently, I persevered, and eventually, I became deeply engrossed in crochet. Ultimately, I discovered that counting stitches proved to be effective in calming my nervous system and alleviating pain. I produced a diverse range of items, from hats and scarves to dolls and fashion pieces. Presently, my passion lies in translating sketches into yarn and mixed media creations. Within this newfound love, I discovered my purpose and my healing, which had been subtly nurturing me all along. An inner voice urged me to share my knowledge, not just to introduce people to a new hobby, but to illuminate how this focused practice fosters overall well-being.

Over time, my purpose transformed into a mission centered on the well-being of both myself and my community. I realize this through crafting Art designs particularly visual and wearable art designs that celebrate the uniqueness of my culture.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Again Greetings! My name is Linette Knight, and I am a crochet mixed-media Artist, instructor, and Designer. Specifically, I create crochet dolls, amigurumi characters, clothing, and wearable art, as well as textured 2D art.

I have chosen crochet as a means to cultivate my personal wellness. Through extensive research, I discovered that the act of counting stitches serves as an effective method for refocusing both the mind and body. As an individual living with arthritis, I utilize this meditative practice to soothe my nervous system, decelerate my thoughts, and enhance my concentration. Concurrently, the process provides a significant boost to my self-assurance, as I witness the diverse array of designs and products I can create with yarn. The positive outcomes of my practice were so impactful that I felt compelled to dedicate my efforts to giving back to the community, particularly in assisting individuals dealing with autoimmune conditions, ADD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

In seeking to transform my talent, purpose, and creative drive into a teachable practice, I first asked myself: Why? Who is this for? What will it achieve? How can I help others? To that end, I have focused on breaking down my practice and techniques into accessible lessons.

My professional focus includes several projects centered on art and the environment, including “Working on Fault Lines,” “Sea of Stitches: A Crocheted Exhibit at the NCMA,” Raleigh Arts: Nina Simon,” “Here Comes the Sun”, with Crocheted Olek, and “Love Across the USA: Crochet billboard initiative”, also with Olek. I have conducted workshops across the US for diverse groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with ADD, ADHD, and anxiety. These workshops aim to raise awareness about environmental issues, foster community connections, and demonstrate how creative activities like crochet, knitting, and art-making can contribute to overall wellness. Personally, I have found that crochet helps to calm brain activity and relax the nervous system, which in turn promotes focus, peace, and creative well-being.

My professional practice must be inclusive to align with my personal goals. I have been fortunate to witness remarkable creative expression from individuals of all backgrounds. I have had the pleasure of instructing diverse groups, including the young and elderly, and have collaborated with those who are deaf, blind, and/or underprivileged. Witnessing their glow of accomplishment is the most rewarding aspect of my work.

I never thought that crochet could be so transformative. I didn’t realize working with the kids at ArtSpace Raleigh, the elderly at NCMA, or putting on a wearable Art show at Golden Belt Gallery, would be so fulfilling or life changing for so many; until my students started coming to me sharing their stories. Like “Modeling that Crochet dress was such a healing experience.” ” I love crochet because I can make cool stuff and it helps me focus when I’m feeling unfocused.”

I have recently made the difficult decision to relocate my studio from the Golden Belt Gallery. Intuitively, I felt it was time to elevate both my craft and community engagement. I considered what further steps could be taken and realized my vision involves a holistic wellness journey, connecting all my practices to create a comprehensive wellness experience. I am pleased to share that I have found a new professional home within a community of Wellness practitioners at Haven Farm of Knightdale NC. This space uniquely integrates Yoga, meditation, music, sound bowls, and the mindful appreciation of the wind and harvesting nourishment across Indigenous land. It is a place where individuals come together, celebrating and nurturing both the land and their own journey of inner growth through love and connection. A place for family gatherings, weddings, pop up events, workshops, plant medicine, and gathering under the stars.

I firmly believe that music and frequencies serve as the foundational element within all wellness practices. I regularly incorporate music from various genres to facilitate productivity and streamline daily tasks, such as cooking and housework. Collaborating with my siblings in spirit, Mrs. Leslie Logan-Brown and DJ Damu, I aim to enhance their concept of MIM (Music Is Medicine) by infusing textured meditation. This will involve a curated collection of music mixes that integrate sound bowls and frequencies, while crocheters create designs and inner wellness.

Following the success of the spring fashion show at Golden Belt, CJ Monet, Liz Riegel, and I are pleased to announce a forthcoming event. This next show will be even more expansive. Date to be announced.
While I anticipate establishing new roots in Haven, my primary community remains within the urban environment. Currently, I am developing a new art series titled “Every Day Game Changers,” which will showcase artworks that honor the individuals in my community with whom I have collaborated, shared fellowship, broadened my understanding, or who are cultural workers advocating for positive change. This forthcoming collection of works is scheduled for display in the May/June 2026 exhibition at the Sertoma Art Center in Raleigh.

All of my Art, dolls, and wearable art are for sale with payment plans available.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back over the years I learned that, one, just being me in all of my glorious expression was and is enough to sustain me in this journey. I also learned that surrounding myself with all those things and people who align with my purpose was the most impactful thing I could do for myself.

Secondly, I am dedicated to continuous learning, always seeking new knowledge and experiences. I embrace challenges and maintain an open mind, and I am committed to sharing my skills and knowledge with others, particularly within the community, to foster sustainability in the arts.

Finally, I have found it essential to resist self-categorization. I have come to understand that both praise and criticism are subjective evaluations based on an individual’s emotional response to the art. As an artist, my role is to stimulate dialogue through emotional engagement, and it is incumbent upon me not to personalize reactions, whether positive or negative. The impact of my art and the resulting reactions are inherently relative to the viewer’s experience; therefore, I consider my role fulfilled.

To those embarking on their unique journeys, I offer the following insights: cultivate a strong foundation rooted in your purpose. Align yourself with opportunities and experiences that authentically support your objectives. Embrace a continuous mindset of learning and personal evolution. It is crucial to maintain perspective and avoid personalizing external reactions, including opinions, social media engagement, and accolades. When your focus remains steadfastly on your own path and motivations, you will find less room for concern about others, regardless of their actions or words.

Personally, my approach extends beyond practices such as affirmations and rituals. I prioritize the development of inner resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to engage in challenging work. I adapt my communication style as needed, carefully monitoring the effectiveness of different approaches. I actively seek out experiences that evoke fear and discomfort, as these situations often expose limiting beliefs and the allure of an inflated ego, which can lead to unsustainable success. I urge artists to embrace self-love and creative potential, as our messages resonate profoundly with audiences representing diverse racial, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My Great Grandmother, Eloise Bethune, was a compassionate individual who cultivated strong relationships as a sharecropper, supporting her family and community. She was a source of guidance for everyone, offering assistance whether it be financial, medical, spiritual, or simply providing nourishment. GG Eloise instilled in me the importance of attention to detail, self-love, and embracing my individuality. She emphasized the significance of surrounding myself with people who affirm my authentic self, individuals who enrich my life, and with whom I can share unconditional support and love.

In order to fully illustrate the influences that enable me to flourish as an artist and motivate my compassion for others, I would like to introduce you to a few individuals and briefly explain how they inspire my personal growth, as well as promote well-being and healing.

First and foremost, my husband, Victor, has been incredibly supportive. He provided unwavering support during my most challenging times and continues to encourage me as I progress. Furthermore, his influence can be seen in my art, which often incorporates a sense of urban grit, a reflection of his teachings on expressing oneself through bold, impactful messages, as demonstrated in his background in graffiti art.

My sister in spirit, Marla, has profoundly influenced my journey, instilling a sense of organic understanding. Through her guidance, I have deepened my comprehension of teaching, fostering a greater awareness of my students’ individual needs and how to facilitate their learning. Furthermore, I have come to recognize the therapeutic potential of artistic expression in the learning process.

My brother, ADamu (DJ Damu), serves as a vibrant curator and master of facilitating emotional connection through sound and frequency. ADamu has been instrumental in guiding me towards connecting with my authentic self, meditating within the stillness of sound and vibrational presence, embracing inclusivity in community building, and cultivating mindful awareness of my mind, body, and spirit. Among the many profound insights he has shared, his most impactful statement thus far has been: “Now that you have done the work to reconnect and heal your authentic child, you must accept that it is time to allow her to be healed and free, so that the adult you are meant to be can flourish.”

My sister-in-love, Sefakor, has been an invaluable source of guidance and support. She instills in me the belief that I am capable of navigating any challenge or celebrating any success. Sefakor consistently encourages me to cultivate my inner self, and when I feel stagnant, she motivates me to create, as she understands that it brings me the greatest joy. With her radiant presence, she fosters a supportive environment through higher vibrational encouragement, and her sound bowl therapy offers clarity and perspective. Her encouragement to explore the world and embrace new experiences is mirrored in my art, as I continually challenge myself to discover innovative approaches and techniques that celebrate culture.

My artistic career has significantly advanced due to the activist inspiration provided by my brother, Shambo. As an artist, singer, mentor, and a prominent figure within the Black community, Shambo has amplified the impact of my work. Through his guidance, I have learned to honor my heritage through ancestor veneration and to champion the rights and freedoms of all people. He has instilled in me the ability to connect with profound messages aligned with my purpose, while embracing, celebrating, and advocating for my identity. Recently, I collaborated with Shambo on the video “Babylon,” which exposed the horrors of racism, fascism, capitalist genocide, and war. In this piece, I portrayed a woman coerced into an abortion. To embody the role authentically, I delved into difficult emotions and strived to comprehend the woman’s anguish. His unwavering support and encouragement have enabled me to approach each creative decision—from stitches and brushstrokes to image selection—with a heightened awareness of how I want my art to resonate with audiences.

My spirit sister, Leslie, at Haven Farm, has bestowed upon me the invaluable gifts of a home and a supportive community. She nurtures me with unwavering belief, creating a safe haven where I can reconnect with my inner self, contribute to the land and nature, and draw wisdom from the earth. This space allows me to flourish in the sun, grounding my roots in verdant landscapes while listening to the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees. It is here that I am gradually evolving into an artist, entrepreneur, and community builder, profoundly holding space for myself and my tribe. Leslie imparts invaluable guidance, encouraging me to embrace my authentic self through acts of service. Her supportive presence inspires me to channel personal challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. Giving gratitude through dances in the rain.

I would not have pushed myself to collaborate with individuals outside the art world to create campaigns that educate the community about the stigmas associated with HIV, nor would I have conceived of creating images that celebrate community members who have been marginalized by those stigmas. My brother, Freedom Clay, reminded me that my artistry encompasses all the sentiments I wish to express from the heart. He conveyed that the most effective way to deliver that message is to maintain a head held high and tap into my inherent strength.

My support network has expanded with each experience, chapter, and lesson. However, without the guidance of my mentors, much of it would lack context. One individual stands out: Mrs. Andrea Carter, a remarkable woman I consider my mentor. As a talented seamstress and Quilt Artist, she has provided invaluable mentorship. With her discerning style and business acumen, she has taught me the importance of asking critical questions, documenting my actions, and using data to make informed decisions. She ensures that my efforts are driven by purpose and passion.

These individuals, whom I refer to as my “Tribe,” represent a diverse group of Educators, Designers, Artists, Activists, Spiritual practitioners, Light givers, and Cultural workers. They have all played an essential role in my personal and professional well-being. At this time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and offer my heartfelt appreciation. There are no words that adequately express the depth of my love, so I channel that energy into the legacy I am creating for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: House of Eloise Design.com (under construction)
• Instagram: Mrs. bird01 and house_of _eloise_1913
• Youtube: Mrs.Bird01

Image Credits

Ernesto Brett Dennison