We’re always thrilled to share the work of our talented members! Read on to get to know Weavers Guild of Minnesota member Jan Johnson.
JAN JOHNSON
I have been a member of WGM since 2000.
I weave, knit, make jewelry, and make books, sketch, and bind books.
I first learned to weave on a rigid heddle loom in a class at the Yarnery, then joined the Weavers Guild to meet other weavers and learn to use a floor loom.
I am from Cloquet, MN and now live in Apple Valley.
My current project is a Sudoku wall art piece with a woven background grid and embellishments added on off loom which I am just finishing and will submit for the 2019 Textile Center Member show.
Craft book I can’t live without: Weaving book has to be Davison’s pattern book [Handweaver’s Pattern Book by Marguerite Porter Davison]. My current obsession is with embellishment in Beryl Taylor’s Mixed Media Explorations.
The best class I have ever taken: One? So many. It might be the Anita Luvera Mayer workshop at WGM six or seven years ago, because she inspired on so many levels, not only weaving, but also creating inspiration books, embellishment, clothing style, and philosophy as an artist.
Project I am most proud of: The Belfield, ND tapestry that was in 2018 Textile Center member show.
I am inspired by beautiful fiber arts books of all kinds and art in galleries and art centers.
My favorite part of teaching is meeting new people who then become friends, and helping them really get it. The best compliment I got was from a student who had been ready to give up on weaving but told me that my class gave her the confidence to keep weaving and enjoy it.
Thank you, Jan!
Editor’s note: Winter/Spring 2019, Jan will be teaching Beginning Floor Loom, Beginning Floor Loom II: Twill Sampler, and Understanding Color! at WGM. More info and registration on our education page.
Know a member you’d like to nominate for a Spotlight? Send their name and a brief note about why they would be perfect for a spotlight to Karin, info@weaversguildmn.org.
