Megan Whitmarsh and Daughters

Megan Whitmarsh is an LA based artist and long time Osei-Duro friend and collaborator. All photos by Sarah Soquel Morhaim.

What do you do? How did you get started?

MEGAN: I am an artist. I decided that when I was 4 years old. I am not exactly sure why but I never decided to be anything else and in some way I never felt like I had a choice to be anything else. It was just how my brain worked I guess.

Person in a colorful robe with abstract design stands against a red wooden background.

What do you love most about your work?

I think for me being an artist is a lot about listening. Listening to my inner voice and also listening to the world around me. Trying to receive, process and distill all the little bits of information that surround me and give it back in some way that creates bridges or pathways for people.

Individual in a workshop with a large blue illustrated tapestry, surrounded by crafting materials.

Where do you find inspiration?

I think there are interesting messages and ideas to decode and uncover in most aspects of our material and natural world. We are very communicative and so are our surroundings. I am pretty inspired by the obvious things- stories, poems, music, art, flowers, my children, my friends, colors, rocks…. But I also feel inspired by just being alive and by sensing the world around me- whether by sensation or intuition.

Two individuals holding hands, one in a striped sleeve and the other in a sleeveless top with red and blue design, outdoors.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Well I have school age kids so I start by taking care of them and getting them off to school. I drink tea. I am a slow starter so I tend to daydream and procrastinate until afternoon. Often right when I am really getting into work I have to go get my kids again! But I do love working and I work hard when I need to. I listen to music and it helps provoke ideas and moods that seem to enable my work. My studio is behind my house and I like to have an integrated life where all the parts of myself- artist, mother, partner, friend— get to flow into each other.

Two young girls in patterned dresses standing on grass with foliage in the background.

Describe your perfect day off.

I don’t think I would consider a perfect day as a day off. I like to work a little each day. It makes me happy and feel activated. But if I have a day of nothing to do I want to be outside and hear birds and see plants and go for a walk. Read to my kids at night.

A woman sitting at a wooden table, glass of water, and entertainment unit in the background.

What advice do you have to offer someone who is just starting out?

Don’t rush. Find your own pace and believe in it. Recognize that life is  work and don’t avoid it.  See challenges as opportunities.  Act with integrity and your life will order itself.

A young girl outdoors, in a colorful kimono dress with a geodesic dome and trees in the background.

How does the city you live in influence your creativity?

I live in Los Angeles. It is a city full of paradox which makes it feel alive and in a state of always becoming which I find inspiring. I appreciate the wildness and extremes of its natural elements which find ways to encroach upon the concrete.

 

A mother and her two daughters outdoors in front of trees and a metal fence, wearing colorful and patterned outfits.

What are the top 3 places we should check out in your city?

If you have kids that need a great elementary school check out Friends Western School in Pasadena! If you want to read some good books go find FLOW (Feminist Library on Wheels at the Women’s Center for Creative Work). If you want to see great music go to Zebulon in Frog Town.

A girl on a swing in a backyard with trees, rocks, and a red fence in the background.

Is there any music you’re loving right now?

Mary Lattimore and Joanna Brouk.

A girl outdoors with arms outstretched, wearing a multicolored sleeveless dress and white shoes.

Recommend something to us!

The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington

Dresses

Oversized Press Dress in Location batik print with mandarin collar and long sleeves, paired with black boots, ideal for plus size and maternity wear.

Press Dress in Location

$250.00

M L XL 3X 4X

Back view of a model in a pink Press Dress with large green and black avocado-like print, featuring a back tie detail.

Press Dress in Tunnel of Love

$250.00

XS S M L XL 2X 3X 4X

Oversized Press Dress in Virtual Reality batik print with mandarin collar, long sleeves, and side gathers, styled with black boots.

Press Dress in Virtual Reality

$250.00

XS S M L XL 3X 4X

Model is seated in the Press Dress with Middle Path batik print, showcasing long sleeves, mandarin collar.

Press Dress in Middle Path

$250.00

XS S M L XL 2X 3X 4X

 

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