maggy johnston

“My work carries a serious message about the survival of our environment, but has an aesthetic appeal and a quirky, fun edge which invites closer inspection and interaction. I believe that we can make a difference if everyone makes small changes and we work together to keep our world a safe, healthy and happy place in which to live. This simple philosophy underpins my art making and my way of life.”

Based in Richmond, Maggy has been a practicing artist for over twenty years. In 2012 she took two years out in order to complete a Master of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in Auckland where she graduated with Honours in 2014, and since that time her work has taken on a new direction. Currently her art practice is ecologically based as she returns to the philosophies of her upbringing. Maggy describes her art practice as focused on the transformation of everyday, recycled materials in order to make commentary on our throwaway society, where the fast moving development of technology is based on consumer-driven principles and little provision is being made for the disposal of obsolete materials.

Transforming unexpected materials into artworks that incorporate messages about community, consumerism, waste disposal and respect for our environment, Maggy’s site specific work is often textile related. She uses women's traditional craft techniques, such as knitting and crochet, to create art works made from discarded materials, including plastic bags, electrical cabling and wire.

Her colourful teddy bears are knitted from discarded plastic bags, with 20 plastic shopping bags per bear. Choosing to transform what would end up as plastic waste into cute teddy bears, these objects which are usually treasured by children and adults alike, highlight the depth of the issue by the very nature of the materials used.

NO EXIT

Bottle tops, wire & aluminium rod. Measures 123cm wide x 40cm high.

$1,700

enquire now

(!)

Bottle tops, wire & aluminium rod. Measures 78cm wide x 82cm high.

$950

enquire now

Wire handbag

Hand-crocheted copper wire recycled from the Nelson Cathedral church organ, with found object & key detail. Measures 35cm long x 29cm wide.

SOLD

Wire handbag

Hand-crocheted copper wire recycled from the Nelson Cathedral church organ, with found object and silver/pearl detail. Measures 37cm long x 16cm wide.

SOLD