Featured: Bird on pink background by Kiara Johnson
A look at the work of Kiara Johnson – Guild Graduate in 2025
Since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the stories of my great granny Edna and the rich, textured life she led. Her belongings, filled with handmade textiles, vintage keepsakes, and nature have always fascinated me. So, when my mum discovered a box of her old books tucked away in the loft, including bird guides and intricate embroidery patterns, I was in awe. These artefacts feel like windows into her world, and through this project, I want to step into her shoes—using her lens to explore both craft and nature with my own modern twist and interpretation by using free machine embroidery and beading.
Birds stand out in her collections. They symbolise freedom, connection, and fleeting beauty, but they can also evoke unease and signal loss – elements that echo the love and loss of my granny’s life.
Beyond this personal narrative, I would also like to use this project to draw attention to the diminishing populations of garden wildlife. Less and less variations of birds are being observed; I want to celebrate them and observe them, seeing the uniqueness and beauty of all British birds from the classic pigeon to the lesser spotted woodpecker. I hope to draw attention to their decline and inspire a deeper appreciation for British birds and the role they play in our ecosystem.
All work featured by Kiara Johnson