Quilter, Marquetta Johnson’s work at the High Museum
Marquetta Johnson, is a teaching artist in her Atlanta, Georgia community and has been acknowledged for her work at the High Museum for working with "visitors to facilitate workshops and offer accessible teaching strategies for sustainable fabric-dyeing practices." Marquetta combines various elements into her practice which include traditional quilting techniques that were passed down to her in addition to aspects of mathematics from her early schooling. Marquetta was born in 1955 -- the great-grand daughter and granddaughter of skilled quilters and seamstresses. Her grandmother was a folk artist who taught Marquetta how to quilt. Marquetta's sister and son are also artists whose works are part of her treasures.
(Above: Marquetta Johnson created the quilt, Nine Patch, 2016 - 2018, Hand dyed and Hand Painted Cotton Fabric), to help herself heal from the death of her son
In the video. "Artist Story: Marquetta Johnson", Marquetta mentions that her unique contribution to her quilts has been the addition of her textile art. She first practiced surface design (dyeing, painting, weaving) on fabrics. Then incorporating her original design into her quilts, Marquetta created wonderful pieces varying in design and incorporating a number of themes as well as random designs. Her parents, grandmother and teacher influenced her to engage and uplift her community through visual art. Marquetta also discusses how she needed to find a way to channel her creativity in a meaningful and contributory way after becoming confined to a wheelchair. In the video, Marquetta discusses her application of mathematics into the design of her quilts. Marquetta says that she wants to use what her grandmother taught her. She describes herself as a storyteller using art as a way of healing, learning and engaging with others -- linking past traditions with the present to "make the world a better place".
Watch the video below to learn more about Marquetta Johnson's art, her classes, and the inspiration behind her Nine Patch quilt (2016–2018) in the exhibition Patterns in Abstraction: Black Quilts from the High's Collection. (June, 28th, 2024 - January 5, 2025), TheHigh Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA. 30309, TEL: +1 404-733-4400
