Visiting Designer: 2018
Since 2010 Doug Johnston has focused on a process of coiling and stitching rope using industrial sewing machines, producing a wide range of functional and sculptural objects. He has built a formal vocabulary and studio practice that engages his varied interests in architecture, spatial and landscape formation, commerce, and fundamental human technologies. The work often sits at the intersection of art, design and craft, taking the position that no made object is exclusively aesthetic or utilitarian. Johnston has shown his work at venues such as Patrick Parrish Gallery (NY), Aberson Exhibits (OK), Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (ME), Collective Design Fair (NY), Design/Miami (FL), and has participated in residencies at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Art (2017) and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (2016). He received a Master of Architecture degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art, as well as Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Drury University. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Johnston has lived in Brooklyn, NY since 2007, often collaborating with his wife, artist and designer Tomoe Matsuoka.
