This body of work is a love letter to the past, stitched together from memory, tradition, and the quiet presence of objects that carry more meaning than they seem to hold. All of my artwork is deeply connected to my grandmother, best known as Nanny or Nan. Her deep appreciation for family keepsakes and her habit of saving and passing things down inspired me to begin recreating heirloom quilts, meaningful trinkets, and sentimental objects in clay as a way to honor their presence in our lives.

 

Each piece is modeled after quilt patterns, old buttons, fabric, trinkets, and various
keepsakes—some passed down in my own family, others imagined from people, places, and stories. I’m drawn to the way these objects quietly hold layers of memory, evoke nostalgia, and speak to love, identity, and the beauty of a meaningful life.

 

This work also pays tribute to the importance of strong, loving women being at the heart of a family. Their work, both seen and unseen, creates the foundation from which so many of us grow. Through clay, I wish to uplift the tenderness, strength, and legacy embedded in their everyday acts of love.

 

I hope this show invites viewers to reflect on the memories that have shaped their lives and the people who made them feel held, known, and at home

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Artist Bio

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Hannah Johnston is a Louisville-based artist and instructor whose work explores nostalgia, sentimental objects, and family heirlooms. She creates ceramic pieces that mimic the texture, shape, and patterns of heirloom quilts—drawing inspiration from vintage textiles, keepsakes, and the small trinkets that carry deep emotional meaning.

 

Inspired by her grandmother’s love for saving and sharing special family items, Hannah’s ceramics are rooted in sharing the magic and stories of these keepsakes. Each piece speaks to comfort, care, and the quiet beauty of what gets passed down—whether it’s a patchwork quilt, a jar of old buttons, or a drawer full of forgotten treasures.

 

With a background in both fine art and teaching, Hannah is passionate about working with her hands and sharing that process with others. This solo show brings together years of material exploration and personal reflection, honoring the sentiments that shape who we are.