^{Woven panel by Philip Harding}

In early 2020, I built a machine for twisting yarn into rope. I didn’t have a reason why — the process was engaging, and the results were beautiful, and that felt like enough at the time. But is it enough now, in 2026, to be making things only for beauty?

In my 2023 artist’s statement I wrote: “I feel like I should make something in response to climate change, racism, or rising fascism. If anything, this project is an escape into beauty, art for its own sake.” Now the need for meaningful action feels more urgent than ever. My art is still an aesthetic escape, but I have an idea of what I can do with it.

Since 2020, I have made over 1930 ropes and cords. My intention was never to sell rope, but to make larger works out of rope. I’ve made larger work, but it’s loose ropes and cords that keep selling. I don’t know what people do with them. Perhaps, like me, they just enjoy their beauty, and their ability to trigger imagination.

Recently, I have been weaving with rope. I use heavy gauge welded wire fence panels, and weave ropes and cords into the spaces. Some are simple — over and under. Others play with the wire spacing, and how the columns can line up to form a corrugated surface. I’ve built large wire boxes from fencing, and woven ropes onto those. And in December 2025, the Allied Arts Association awarded me the Suzlinsky Craftsman Award for my rope work.

In April 2026, I exhibited twelve works at the Richland Public Library, and displayed this statement alongside them:

All the works on display are available for sale. Sort of. Rather than complicate my life with retail sales, ‘buyers’ can make a donation to one of several nonprofit organizations in the amount of the asking price. I will then give them the work of art to show my appreciation. The ‘buyer’ may either write a check to the organization, or we can bring up the organization’s website where you can donate directly using a credit card. So long as I am confident that the donation was made, and you assure me that the donation is not one you would otherwise have made, then I will give you the work.

My list of nonprofits included the ACLU, NAACP, Amnesty International, The Electronic Freedom Foundation, and any progressive political campaign willing to take on Dan Newhouse and flip the 4th congressional district seat from red to blue.

This experiment resulted in one prospect who said they prefer their donations go to local charities, and suggested Social Justice Fund Northwest. I agreed, and the patron made a $350 donation and received a $350 work of art in appreciation.

Success! A worthy cause received support, and a new home received my art. I now want to expand this idea with a more targeted political focus. Although Dan Newhouse has decided not to run, this is still a red district. If I were wealthy, I would donate directly to John Duresky, the democratic candidate running for the 4th Congressional district. But while making monetary donations is not possible for me, I can donate my art! Therefore, anyone donating to John Duresky’s campaign may select some of my art of equal value.

Let’s overthrow the regime, one rope at a time!

Call, text, or email me for details and to arrange a studio tour: (509) 420-4644 philipeharding@gmail.com.

Philip Harding is a longtime Richland Washington artist with a degree in Architecture with a minor in Fine Art from Washington State University, and in Art History from the University of Washington. He also holds an MA in The History of Art from Ohio State University. Philip’s work can be seen at hardingfineart.com and at fb.com/philip.harding.334.

You can read TUMBLEWEIRD’s coverage of Philip Harding’s 2023 ropework exhibit at tumbleweird.org/ropework-processing-beauty.