Meet Sante Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sante Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sante, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from many sources, a life lived, from my BIPOC heritage, working with others and my creative journey. Facing challenges like cancer at a young age shaped my strength and determination. My passion for storytelling through art, the commitment to community service, and my dedication to fostering inclusivity contribute to resilience. Through projects and collaborations, I slowly heal while inspiring other. My visual work focuses on complex narratives, personal struggles, and historical contexts making resilience a natural part of the growth process, and embroidery provides accessibility and empowerment.The slow and mindful process of embroidery mirrors the way one develops patience allow pain to transform into beauty and dialogue through time spent with ones-self.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I create art that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary forms, blending textile arts, painting, printmaking, and more. My passion for hand embroidery stems from its accessibility—anyone can pick it up and find empowerment through the slow, thoughtful process of stitching. Through this medium, I tell stories that connect to marginalized communities, cultural histories, and personal experiences. My work is a dialogue, inviting viewers to engage with the deeper meanings embedded in each piece.
What makes my art special is how I draw from my diverse heritage, extensive travels, and a strong connection to cultural narratives. I explore themes like transformation, resilience, and identity, often using embroidery and other mediums to create immersive experiences. Projects like “Things Falling Apart” and “Sound of Water/Abound” reflect my interest in exploring the complexities of history, American heritage, and the stories that shape us.
I’m deeply committed to community engagement, whether through collaborations, workshops, or exhibitions. My art isn’t just about self-expression; it’s a vehicle for education, empowerment, and fostering connections. I align myself with the slow art movement and prioritize environmental stewardship, integrating these values into my creative process. Through my work, I aim to inspire others, encourage reflection, and contribute to social change. I am a Black Music City Philadelphia grant awardee for 2024 and a Mural Arts Black Fellows 2024.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most important qualities, skills, and knowledge areas I focus on through my hand embroidery and painting are:
1 Adaptability and Creativity: I value the ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges or inspirations within my hand embroidery and painting. Embracing innovation in both mediums while maintaining my unique voice allows me to continuously evolve and push boundaries as an artist.
2 Technical Expertise: Mastering the intricate details and techniques of hand embroidery, as well as the precise application of paint, is essential to bringing my ideas to life. I strive to execute each stitch and brushstroke with precision, ensuring that every piece reflects my dedication to the craft.
3 Cultural and Historical Awareness: Through my work, I incorporate deep knowledge of cultural narratives and historical contexts. This awareness helps me to weave meaning into every thread and color, creating pieces that not only reflect personal experiences but also invite others to connect with broader cultural and historical dialogues.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe there’s value in both approaches, but I lean toward going all in on our strengths while also being mindful of areas for improvement. Our strengths are often where our passion lies, and by focusing on them, we can excel, create something truly unique, and make a meaningful impact. When we pour energy into what we do best, we not only enhance our abilities but also find more fulfillment in the process.
However, I also think it’s essential to stay open to growth. While I advocate for amplifying our strengths, we shouldn’t completely neglect our weaknesses, especially if they hold us back from reaching our full potential or achieving our goals.
For example, I’ve always been deeply passionate about hand embroidery and painting, and these have been my strengths for many years. But when I first began exhibiting my work, I realized I needed to improve my public speaking and networking skills to effectively share my vision with others. These weren’t my natural strengths, but I knew they were necessary to elevate my work and engage with a broader audience.
Instead of focusing too much on becoming perfect in those areas, I sought opportunities that would allow me to improve while still centering on what I loved. I started offering workshops and community events, where I could speak about my work in a more comfortable and intimate setting. This way, I was able to build my confidence in public speaking while continuing to focus on my art.
The result was that by improving in those areas, I strengthened my overall artistic practice. But the key was that I didn’t lose sight of my core strengths. By investing in both, I’ve been able to grow in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
Ultimately, I think it’s about balance. Go all in on what makes you thrive, but don’t shy away from improving the skills that can help you get your work out into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artstitch.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sante_artxstitch.art
• Linkedin: http://linkedin/duwenavue

Image Credits

Duwenavue Sante Johnson