Behind the Name
I was born and raised in the Midwest of the United States, with nature and art both playing a pivotal role in my upbringing. I earned a Bachelor of Art in studio art from the University of Minnesota, and later a Master of Fine Arts from the Burren College of Art. I have always been creatively drawn to plants and animals, which make their way into my illustrations, prints, and designs.
Process
With a love for flowers, the Burren scenery, and vintage patterns and styles, my work draws from a variety of sources. The creative process often begins on my walks, where I am accompanied by my trusted golden retriever, as well as my camera. On these strolls through the landscape, I take time to document the many plants and take note of the varied wildlife that I encounter. This, as well as the natural visual rhythm of foliage tumbling over stone walls and bursting forth from hedgerows informs the patterning found within my own designs.
Many of the motifs begin either as sketches or as lino or woodcuts, and then are scanned into the computer or handprinted on scrap paper and fabric. This offers me two ways of playing with the arrangements and allows for accidental discoveries to occur.
Contact
Feel free to email me at
morgan@cliabhanstudio.com
if you have any questions about my work or are interested in collaborating on a project together.