Johnson’s studio, located in the Riverfront Business Park in The Dalles, showcases fabric art both functional and decorative. Her work is twofold: She creates artistic panels inspired by the Gorge, and explores the use of natural dyes on a variety of fibers to make usable objects.
Johnson’s studio, located in the Riverfront Business Park in The Dalles, showcases fabric art both functional and decorative. Her work is twofold: She creates artistic panels inspired by the Gorge, and explores the use of natural dyes on a variety of fibers to make usable objects.
Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield photo
A wall hanging created by Sylvianne Johnson, using Merino wool and silk.
THE DALLES — For fiber artist Sylvianne Johnson, working with natural materials is “like jumping down rabbit holes to learn ways to manifest what I want to create.”
There are two aspects to her work: One where she paints with wool to create artistic panels of natural images inspired by her life in the Gorge; the other is exploring the use of natural dyes on a variety of fibers in order to make utilitarian objects. Once in a while, these two processes merge. That’s when magic happens, like an alchemical process simmering new life into the studio.
Sylvianne Johnson, trained in painting and drawing, began working with fiber in 2019. She creates both utilitarian and artistic pieces.
Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield photo
Natural dyeing involves foraging with eco-friendly materials. “It’s slow work that’s dependent upon the seasons,” Sylvianne said, adding, “The use of natural dyes is healthier for our skin, the water and the environment.”
Working with natural materials to create a palette of non-fugitive colors, Johnson said, “is a slow process and goals can’t be reached overnight.”
This creative foray is very much in evidence in her 1,400-square foot, 15-foot-high studio, where rafters unfurl fabric works, either finished or in process. Located in The Riverfront Business Park in The Dalles, Johnson’s working studio showcases an array of fabric art creations both functional and decorative. Three long work tables allow her to spread out and work in the north facing light. In all corners of the studio are collections of white oak galls, dock seed heads, walnut hulls and other natural materials foraged from just outside her studio and throughout the Gorge.
A display of some natural and synthetic sampler cloths Johnson works with.
Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield photo
Originally trained in drawing and painting at the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, Johnson’s career path changed directions in the early 1980s with marriage, work and children. It wasn’t until 2019 when it turned to fiber.
“Fiber is like painting to me. It is where I challenge myself to let go of preconceived ideas, lessons learned in art school, negative self-talk and just go for it,” she said. Since then, she has been experimenting and developing natural dyes, foraging and eco-printing to stay connected with the land and to be more conscious of the environment.
Sylvianne Johnson, shows off some of her functional and decorative creations.
Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield photo
Among many works in progress is a multi-panel installation piece that requires 12-foot ceilings, a creation that inspired Johnson to move operations from her 950-square foot home in Hood River to the spacious The Dalles, riverfront location.
Johnson’s studio, 3725 Klindt Drive, located on the water side of The Riverfront Business Park, just west of Klindt’s Cove, has plenty of parking and is open by appointment. The studio is also included in the Gorge Artist Open Studio Tour April 26-28.
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