Dre McLeod
Meet talented textile artist, Dre McLeod!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m Dre! I grew up in Appalachia where I learned sewing and quilting from my grandmothers. I studied Fashion Design at Savannah College of Art & Design, worked for an interior designer in Los Angeles, and ended up in Columbus, OH where I have been working as a full time artist for the past several years.
What drew you to your craft?
I became obsessed with textiles at SCAD and that obsession only grew while working for the interior designer in LA. She had her own line of textiles, a huge library of samples, and a stunning personal collection of antique textiles. I started making quilts in 2008 but began utilizing repurposed scraps from her interior projects and that’s when I really got hooked! My current work is an evolution of my earlier quilting work.
What is your favorite thing you have ever made?
My fine art wall hangings are my favorite to make in general, and it’s a tie between two of them!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist.
How would you describe your creative process?
My process actually has a lot of rest involved. I’m an overthinker so my mind is going constantly. It’s when I rest and try to do nothing that the ideas start flowing because they aren’t overloaded by background noise. And sometimes things just come to me out of the blue but I HAVE to write them down or I’ll never remember.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
Surrender to doing the tedious stuff you don’t want to do- it’s important and will help you get to where you want to be!
Why is it important to support local artists and makers?
We need art! And supporting local artists and makers keeps art around and is the heart and soul a community needs.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I don’t have to answer to anyone else but me.
What advice do you have for other makers who want to start their own business?
Just start! Even if it’s small or on the side, just start. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions because there are none! And once you do start, try to keep yourself organized.
You can find Dre’s original artwork in the shop! We’re excited to be adding her stunning denim jackets to our collection this month, along with her unique 12” and 14” pouches!
Find more of Dre’s work on Instagram and her website!