Hello!
I’m Avry McKinney, a textile artist & designer from Charleston, South Carolina. Currently pursuing my MA in Textile Design at the University of Arts London, and a recent graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fibers & Textile Arts, I specialize in fine art, knitwear, and print & pattern. My work reflects my personal journey, focusing on storytelling through narrative-based art.
My childhood was full of challenges, and I use my art to explore how our formative years shape who we become. Through my work, I express emotions and thoughts that arise from my background and experiences, focusing on themes of playfulness, innocence, and the optimism we all carry.
Connecting with my cultural heritage and the African diaspora has enriched my creative practice. Blending history, education, and self-expression, I explore how art can build bridges across time and generations. Influences in my work include Solange’s When I Get Home, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Deana Lawson, Miles Davis, Malick Sidibé, Toni Morrison, Althea McNish, Grace Wales Bonner, and Gwendolyn Brooks-the list goes on!
My studio practice is experimental. I value the process over perfection, creating a safe space for my thoughts to exist. I use a variety of mixed media techniques, including machine knitting, wet and needle felting, dyeing, bookmaking, embroidery, and print/pattern design. These methods allow me to explore both tactile and digital possibilities, fueling my creativity.