Duwenavue Johnson

AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.

AQ Volume IV artist Duwenavue Sante Johnson is a dedicated hand embroiderer and painter from California, now residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the past nine years. She is an active member of Tiger Strikes Asteroid, GrioxArts, ARTXSTITCH at BOK, and the founder of the Mason Stitch Art Collective. Johnson’s artistic interests lie in textile arts and top surface design, drawing admiration from influential figures such as James Turrell, Ruth Asawa, and both renowned and unsung artists of the Harlem Renaissance. She also deeply respects Philadelphia’s own Henry Ossawa Tanner for his process-based approaches, civic-community relationships, and lifelong resilience in producing art.

Johnson's work has garnered significant recognition, earning her accolades such as the Black Music City Award 2024, Mural Arts Black Fellow Award, Cherry Street Pier Artist in Residence, and Daughters of The Revolution 250 Award. Her exhibitions span across notable venues, including Tiger Strikes Asteroid in Philadelphia, 201@105 Gallery in NYC, The Jones Institute in San Francisco, Schau Fenster in Berlin, Satellite in Miami, Bloc Projects in Sheffield, and CICA in Seoul.

Currently, Johnson is focused on creating her solo exhibition for 201@105 Gallery in NYC, scheduled for March 2025. Her practice is deeply influenced by her admiration for artists who have made significant cultural impacts through their dedication and community engagement. Through her intricate hand embroidery and vibrant paintings, she weaves together stories that reflect her appreciation for resilience, history, and the interconnectedness of art and community.


http://www.artxstitch.com

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?

My journey to becoming an artist was inspired by a lifelong fascination with storytelling and the power of visual expression. As a child, I was captivated by the way art could convey emotions and stories without a single word. This fascination only deepened as I grew older and started exploring different cultures, their histories, and artistic traditions during my travels.

The decisive moment for committing to this path came during my apprenticeship in Thailand and India, where I immersed myself in mural arts and textile techniques. Working alongside master artists, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact art could have on individuals and communities. This experience solidified my belief that art was not only a powerful means of personal expression but also a vital tool for fostering empathy and community connection.

Formal training at prestigious institutions, such as the Royal School of Needlework and Ecole Lesage, further equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my passion professionally. The recognition and support from artistic communities, along with the awards and exhibition opportunities I received, reinforced my commitment to this path.
I'm driven by the joy of creation and the ability to connect with others through my work. Whether it's through hand embroidery, painting, or other mediums, I am passionate about exploring diverse narratives and celebrating cultural heritage. The transformative power of art continues to inspire me, motivating me to create pieces that resonate with viewers and contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared human experience.


Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?

My recent work, titled "Things Falling Apart," delves into the concept of retrieval and transformation. The inspiration behind this body of work comes from the idea of a China cabinet shattering and the process of collecting and reassembling the fragments. Each piece of these shards carries a memory, a history, and a sense of potential.

In this series, I explore themes of resilience, beauty, and strength that emerge from brokenness. The fragments, though initially representing something that has been destroyed, are meticulously collected, sorted, and combined to create something new and powerful. This act of reconstruction is symbolic of the human experience—how we navigate through life's challenges, picking up the pieces, and creating something meaningful from our trials.

The visual narrative is crafted through hand embroidery, textiles, and mixed media. I use a variety of textures and materials to emphasize the tactile quality of the work, inviting viewers to engage not only visually but also emotionally with the pieces. Each stitch and fragment embodies an intense emotional state, often reflecting my responses to personal and societal challenges.

"Things Falling Apart" is also a commentary on the resilience and beauty found in communities, particularly those that have faced historical and ongoing adversities. By focusing on the process of piecing together what has been broken, I aim to highlight the strength and creativity that arises from such experiences.

This work is not just about the act of mending but also about finding joy and beauty in the process. It's about understanding that even in fragmentation, there is potential for new forms and new stories. Through this series, I hope to inspire viewers to see the value in their own experiences of fragmentation and transformation, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the strength and beauty that can arise from life's challenges.


What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?

The most challenging part of my path so far has been balancing the demands of creating art with the practical aspects of sustaining an artistic career. This challenge includes managing financial stability, securing consistent opportunities for exposure, and maintaining the time and space needed for creative exploration.


What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?

Experimentation and exploration are at the heart of my artistic practice. They drive my creative process and allow me to push the boundaries of traditional techniques, discover new methods, and keep my work fresh and engaging. Experimentation gives me the freedom to explore different materials, techniques, and concepts without the constraints of established norms. This openness to trying new things keeps my work dynamic and evolving. For instance, blending hand embroidery with painting and textile arts allows me to create unique, multi-dimensional pieces.

Through exploration, I uncover innovative ways to express ideas and tell stories. Each project is an opportunity to delve into uncharted territories, whether it’s experimenting with new textures, color palettes, or incorporating elements from different cultures and histories. This continual search for innovation helps my art stand out and resonate with diverse audiences.

Experimentation often involves trial and error, which hones my problem-solving skills. When a particular technique or material doesn’t work as expected, it challenges me to find alternative solutions, leading to unexpected and often exciting outcomes. This resilience and adaptability are essential traits in my artistic journey.

Exploration pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages personal and artistic growth. It’s through these experiences that I learn more about myself, my capabilities, and the endless possibilities of my craft. Each experiment is a step towards refining my voice and vision as an artist.


Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?

Music is a significant part of my start ritual. Depending on the project or my mood, I choose a playlist or album that sets the tone for my work. Music helps me tap into the emotional and thematic aspects of my art. It helps find a pathway to travel on with a beginning, middle, and end, keeping me inspired.


What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?

Through my art, I hope to convey a message of resilience, interconnectedness, and the beauty found in transformation. I strive to create work that resonates on both a personal and universal level, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the shared human journey.

I want my art to illustrate the strength and perseverance that emerges from challenges and adversity. By exploring themes of fragmentation and reconstruction, as seen in my "Things Falling Apart" series, I aim to show that even in moments of disarray, there is potential for renewal and growth. My work seeks to inspire others to find hope and beauty in their own struggles and transformations.

My art often draws from diverse cultural influences and personal experiences, reflecting the rich tapestry of human life. I hope to convey the idea that we are all interconnected, with our stories, histories, and identities weaving together to form a larger narrative. Through this interconnectedness, I aim to foster a deeper sense of empathy and understanding among viewers.

By combining various materials and techniques, I explore the concept of transformation—how something fragmented or broken can take on new forms and meanings. I want to highlight the inherent beauty in the process of change and the possibility of creating something meaningful from what may initially seem like chaos or imperfection.
I also hope to celebrate and honor the diverse cultural influences that have shaped my work. By paying homage to artists from different backgrounds and integrating various artistic traditions, I seek to promote a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and the shared human experiences that unite us.


Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." – Maya Angelou