Marcia John

I am a designer, maker, specialising in woven textiles, located in South London. The cultural influences of my native country, has been a contributory factor to my deep-rooted passion for working with natural materials. Resources from the surrounding environment such as coconut fibre, bamboo and palm leaves are all familiar materials. They each has formed an integral part in some of my weaving processes, which allows me the scope to be highly experimental on my hand loom. The varied collection of materials are used in varying combinations, to produce functional and non-functional art pieces for interior spaces.

Q&A

Artist Statement

My design processes and techniques are often challenged to show versatility, through the use of interesting material compositions, as I artistically and carefully construct each piece. There is always an element of excitement and surprise throughout the construction stage, which makes the final outcome highly rewarding.My application of knowledge and skill, of hand dyed processes enhances each design, allowing colour and structure to form integral facets throughout. This is infused by my strong cultural heritage and appreciation of bold hues, which injects confidence in me to be more experimental and exploratory with my colour palette combinations.Some projects undergo certain material manipulative processes to create final outcomes, that can ultimately become wall hangings or as striking art pieces.

What craft do you work with?

My interest in weaving was born out of the curiosity to know about the composition and construction of cloth. I was intrigued by how fibres and materials complimented each other in the woven process. I have been working with textiles in a more serious manner over the last eight years. One of my favourite technique is the seersucker woven structure. The dynamics of the thread on the two beams, interlocking with each other to create texture, puckers and smooth effects is always intriguing. It requires understanding of the process and attention to detail to create a special cloth on the loom.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

My interest in weaving was born out of the curiosity to know about the composition and construction of cloth. I was intrigued by how fibres and materials complimented each other in the woven process. I have been working with textiles in a more serious manner over the last eight years. One of my favourite technique is the seersucker woven structure. The dynamics of the thread on the two beams, interlocking with each other to create texture, puckers and smooth effects is always intriguing. It requires understanding of the process and attention to detail to create a special cloth on the loom.

How do you start your creative process?

Usually, I receive inspiration from a chosen project to commence my creative process. This is where my sketchbook is factored in, as I work through a visualisation process to enable me to come up with an action plan. Following that, I spend some well enjoyed therapeutic moments card winding, to help me with colour composition, texture and yarn choices. The most challenging stage in my creative process often times occur when setting up the loom. It requires full focus to prevent potential flaws along the weaving stage of the making.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My work space is a bright extension room with good natural lighting in the day from the sky domes. It is an organised and equipped space with a varied collection of tools, dye materials, fabric, natural materials and yarn. It houses my 16 shaft Ashford table loom. I would be disabled without the use of my bobbin winder and shuttles.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would relish the opportunity to work on a project using a jacquard loom to develop a digital portfolio of samples. This type of loom also provides access to computerised software for structure preparation, and can provide a wider scope for different patterns. It would allow me to use extremely fine yarns, that will enable me to complete a project in a timely manner.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

My best advice that I would pass on to a fellow crafter is, ‘whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well’. It would be an amazing opportunity to collaborate with a woodworker and create furniture items, combining the two skills and materials.My professional dream is to achieve my doctorate in creative arts. Much of my time is spent as a volunteer working with children and youth. A number of years ago I was the proprietor of an early years pre-school. I am still receiving positive comments from individuals who were a part of that journey. It is my aspiration to open a creative hub, in a similar way where I can transfer my creative knowledge and skills to young adults of ethnic groups.