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My initial impression of William Johnson was that of a talented painter speaking through styles ofmodernism and expressionism, and artist that I could not relate to. After studying his work, I humblystand corrected. The longer I studied Johnson’s work, his motivation became more clear to me and Irealized that his journey is akin to mine.

Designer Shayna Fuller is at the beginning of what looks to be an exciting career. In September 2012, she graduated from Virginia Marti College of Art and Design with a degree in fashion design. Her formal education has prepared her well for future creative endeavors.

Miranda Marti’s interest in fashion was first inspired by her grandmother, who studied haute couture in Paris. She has recently discovered a love for historical fashion, with a particular interest in the construction techniques and small details that are not present in mass-produced contemporary clothing. Although Marti’s own favorite periods to explore are the Edwardian era (early 1900s) and the New Look (1950s), she has enjoyed discovering Wari while designing an outfit for the runway show.

Graphic designer Tina Greenslade found her own design interests reflected in the tunics in Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes. “As an artist I enjoy examining ancient cultures and their works of art,” Greenslade says. “The work produced by the Wari culture speaks to my personal style through its use of pattern and color.” She is drawn towards abstraction and has recently begun to incorporate repeating geometric patterns into her work.

rsz_gowin.jpgEmmet Gowin, eminent photographer and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, looks back and reviews his life’s work and inv

Amanda Mikolic, Curatorial Assistant for Medieval Art/Art of the Ancient Americas looks back on installation week for Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes to offer a behind the scenes look at bringing the first exhibition of Wari culture in North America to Cleveland. The exhibition is open through  Sunday, January 6, 2013.

Artist and designer Debbie Apple-Presser sees beauty and potential in objects that most people might consider discarding. For Project Tunic, she is creating a Wari-inspired garment of woven brown paper bags that will be dyed for a richer color and then stamped with a decorative pattern on the front and back. Her work is inspired by the weaving techniques, bright patterns and the distinctive face neck vessels found in the Wari exhibition. Project Tunic will be on January 4,  2013 as part of MIX: Runway at the museum.

Victoria Parratt weaving demosVictoria Johnson-Parratt’s passion for bead work began with a $15, single-day class taught in 2000 at the Cuyahoga Weavers Guild. The class was on peyote stitch bead weaving, a technique that is found in works from Ancient Egypt as well as in many Native American cultures.