What is your educational background?
I did a degree at Wolverhampton in three-dimensional design, wood, metal and plastic. I didn’t have a formal textile education, but my mum taught me to sew. When I finished my degree, I set up a small business making handbags.
How did you go from one craft to another?
I was sewing when I was small, and later combined metal work with textiles. I was always interested in mixing materials. I then started making portraits of my kids to renew the joy of making things. It was a creative outlet, which started a whole new career .
©Lol Johnson
What are your sources of inspiration?
I’m inspired by people who make things, going to their workshops and telling their stories. I’m exploring “the value of making”, depicting makers either literally through portraits, or portraits of the tools they use, to celebrate people who are makers.
What is your advice to an aspiring textile worker?
Just do it, get on with it. Find time, make the time. Lots of makers have to do other things on the side, but find the time for yourself to have projects. Be inspired by whatever it is that inspires you and just make things.