Hello!
I’m Avry McKinney, a textile artist & designer from Boston, MA. A recent graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fibers & Textile Arts, I specialize in fine art, knitwear, and print & pattern. My work is a reflection of my personal journey, with a focus 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 create a bridge across time and generations. Influences in my work include Solange’s When I Get Home, Lorna Horner’s Style In My DNA, Deana Lawson, Miles Davis, Malick Sibide, Grace Wales Bonner, and Gwendolyn Brooks.
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.