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Quirky and beautiful stitched sculptures made entirely from rope by artist Doug Johnston

In his latest exhibition What It Is, New York City-based artist and designer Doug Johnston crafts unusual, sculptural objects made entirely from coiled and stitched rope – an ancient technique that he loves to celebrate in a more contemporary way.

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Collection of sculptural objects by Doug Johnston made from coiled and stitched rope, including a navy beanie, white cylindrical form, and black segmented shapes

Speaking of the collection, he said: "I expand my use of coiled construction, which allows me to work in a number of roles simultaneously (designer, artist, craftsman, etc.) with minimal concern for the distinctions or boundaries imposed on the work once it leaves the studio, often resulting in work that is hybrid or plural in nature.

"In many of the pieces, the process is a tool to explore the nature of specific objects that have held special fascination for me. Many of the objects referenced have conveyed a sense of agency or empowerment, and compelled me throughout my life to learn more about how humans have shaped the world around them into objects, buildings, landscapes, spaces and networks. Coiling works as a personal analog of this act, yet with its own imprecise formal language.

"The methodology has become a system of inquiry, which I often use improvisational, allowing the objects to become something distinct from their seminal questions and references."

For more information about Doug, visit www.dougjohnston.net.

Via direct submission | All images by Clemens Kois and courtesy of Doug Johnston

Black and white coiled rope sculpture by Doug Johnston resembling a stylised gloved hand or fist form
White sculptural vessel with four cylindrical legs, made entirely from coiled and stitched rope with dark grey accents by Doug Johnston
White rope coiled and stitched into the form of a clenched fist emerging from a black fabric sleeve, by Doug Johnston
Dark blue coiled rope sculpture by Doug Johnston formed into an abstract rounded seated figure
Stack of five rolled towels in white and black, crafted from coiled and stitched rope by Doug Johnston
Cream-coloured coiled and stitched rope sculpture by Doug Johnston with a circular flat face and tapered conical form, tilted at an angle
Black and white coiled rope sculpture by Doug Johnston with curved white top section and black bulbous pod-like forms at the base
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