2022 Senior Exhibition Artists

Jenifer Ann McCarthy

Art + Design: Textiles

About Jenifer Ann McCarthy (they/them)

Jen McCarthy is a textile artist with an interest in designing repeat patterns, screen printing, sculpture, and traditional loom weaving. Graduating from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a BFA in Textiles. They appreciate traditional craft and working by hand creating work that is one of a kind.

Statement

I tell people that I'm a floor person; whenever I hang with friends watching tv I choose to sit on the floor. Many cultures sit on the floor together to strengthen family bonds, aiding in digestion, discussion, and sharing with each other. As someone who experiences anxiety, I search for a place to keep myself calm. I build soothing environments by lowering people to the ground. Surrounding myself with my work also brings me joy. I love placing my weaving all over my room like pinning it to my wall or draping over my closet door, changing the layout every time I move. Young adults are transient, in evolving environments, and like this work they are movable. I'm creating comfort for young adults through creating interiors.

With these patterns I am inspired by American traditional tattoos. The illustrative designs are packed with color but also emotion. Tattoos being on a physical body have bold lines and full color. This way, when you look at them on the body, you immediately know what they are. I have found that this method also works for making a bold look in the home. Each element in the pattern is carefully picked and pieced together keeping an array of emotions in mind. From far away these patterns look colorful and fun but when you look closer up to the poofs the colorful imagery has some dark undertones.