Designs in Fiber

Artist: Kris Johnson

A fifth generation Californian, I began working with fiber while attending San Jose State graduating with a BA in art.  My woven wall pieces as well as my silk collages have been presented in exhibitions since the mid 90’s. State wide, with my piece "Sulagement", I was one of 26 artists selected for the California Contemporary Art Collection 2001 in the California State Senate, Sacramento. "Progression", one of my larger woven works was published in the Fiber Arts Design Book VII in 2004. I continue to weave, producing woven wall works on a commission basis. In 1997 I began experimenting with hand dyed silk. This was the groundwork for what have become my silk collages, which I began showing in 2002. 2005 was the year I first introduced my silk on canvas. A sampling of my work can be seen at various shows in throughout California, or at my studio by appointment.

 

Statement:

I am captivated by fiber as my means of artistic expression. Being a tactile person is the drawing force to my working in this medium. Utilizing the wonderful palette of colors available through the hand dying process feeds my love of color. My work draws heavily on the play of light and shadow across the texture of the fabric, allowing the piece to change color and character. I weave with a variety of materials, using both the traditional and non traditional. The silk collages are created using high quality hand dyed silks.