Q&A with textile artist Megan Johnson
We introduced you to local textile artist Megan Johnson several weeks ago when she contributed to our design for the 2021 Chair Affair. We’re thrilled to share that our piece, with the help of Megan’s artistry, sold for $2,000 at the auction! Today, we’re sharing a recent chat we had with Megan about her work, her inspiration, and her creative process!
How would you describe your work in a nutshell?
My work combines plant material with textiles through a process known as eco-printing. I studied painting during my undergrad years and to me this feels similar, using mark-making through layers of nature’s silhouettes. I also work with natural dyes, so many of my eco-printed pieces are combined with colors extracted from plants. I will forever be in awe of the colors that nature produces. From there, I free-hand quilt. I love thinking of my work in the form of collage. I piece together scraps and swatches to create pillows and wall hangings.
What made you choose this medium? Was it something you sort of stumbled on, or did you always want to explore it?
It is definitely something I kind of just stumbled upon. I have always been a creative maker and have always been into plants/gardening. After reading a few books on natural dyeing and taking an eco-printing workshop, I knew that I wanted to begin experimenting with this medium. I have a fine art background and love working large when painting. Housing massive canvases wasn’t always feasible. This medium allows me to work outside in my yard right next to my garden, but has so many similar qualities that I love about painting. Of these, I’d say color is my favorite.
How does your process work? Where do you find inspiration?
I take cuttings of leaves and petals from my garden, soak them in an iron solution (pictured above), which brings out their natural tannins. Next, I lay them out on the fabric, roll it up, tie off the bundle, and place the bundle into hot water. Then, I let it simmer for a few hours. From there I take them out of the water and let them sit to dry and ‘cure’ for about a week. I love this process for the surprise element involved. Each time it is a bit of mystery when unbundling, and for me that part of the process feels super organic.
My inspiration comes from many places. I am from Lancaster, Pa so farming and agriculture played a huge role on me as I grew up. I will always feel most at home outdoors, usually with no shoes on, just puttering in the garden. My mom, nana, and great-grandmother are all sewers and I come from a long line of quilters. When I work, I feel connected to those special women and my roots.
How can people keep up with you and purchase your work?
Follow me on Instagram, and watch my feed and stories for updates and behind-the-scenes videos. If you’re local, you can visit Weavers Way Mercantile in Mt. Airy and see my designs in person!
Megan, thank you so much for sharing your time and talent as a textile artist with us!
All photos courtesy of Meghan Johnson Textile Artist
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
