My name is Avry McKinney and I am a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, with my BFA in Fibers & Textile arts. Specializing in fine art, knitwear, and print & pattern, I create work from my heart, and telling a story through my narrative-based work. Originally from Boston, MA, My childhood was a rollercoaster. My steady theme of exploration resides in the stages of development in my life, and how our formative years and the experiences we face have a lasting impact on the people we later become in many aspects of my life. Exploring my past experiences, the complexities of my background, as well as my mind, has provided me with the perfect recipe to safely express my emotions and thoughts through my artwork. Playfulness and innocence we all share during our formative stages. It captures the optimism and determination that shape us into who we are today.
Embracing my background and voice has been challenging growing up, but I've found a meaningful outlet through art that manifests my vision. Connecting through origins and exploring my lineage has been a beautiful addition to my practice. Blending my personal cultural history and the African diaspora with my art style has shed light on the importance of education and self-expression. Allowing history to inform my work has shown me that we can create threads across time to further develop as people and how we express ourselves. Influences during my years of exploration include Solange’s When I Get Home film, Lorna Horner’s book Style In My DNA, the photography of Deana Lawson, and Gwendolyn Brooks's poetry.
Creating work this year has been very experimental. Perfection was not my only goal, it was more about learning and creating a safe space for my thoughts and ideas to exist. Exploring the freedom we were given to create work that speaks for me when I don’t want to talk about it.In my studio practice, I employ various mixed media techniques, including machine knitting, wet and needle felting, dyeing, bookmaking, embroidery, and print/pattern design. These physical elements not only explore digital possibilities but also swatch materials, as well as an endless fountain of creativity.