Meghan Burch has been an art maker since she can remember. She studied illustration at the Massachusetts College of Art and is now an Art Studio Educator at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA. Meghan also designs and makes products for Kaybu, her collection of hand screen-printed and sewn home goods, accessories and apparel.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Meghan and talk about her love of art making and design.

F: Thanks for taking the time to sit down for an interview. I’m sure you’re very busy.Let’s start at the beginning. Did you always have a desire to make things?

MB: I think so. One of the first products I can remember making was a replica of the heat pack my dad used for his back. My version was 10+ layers of writing paper and probably a whole bottle of Elmer’s glue. I was so proud of having reproduced the same thick squishy texture as the actual heat pack. My mom’s reaction was at the very least kind, if not genuinely encouraging, when I showed it to her. I think a big reason why I still love to make stuff today is because my whole network of family and friends were really supportive of my early interests and experiments.

F: So how does an illustration major end up working in three dimensions?

MB: I studied illustration because in high school when people saw that I could draw things realistically, they suggested I study illustration. I didn’t know much about non-representational art or sculpture, so I thought, why not. What I loved about being an illustration student was the level of professionalism required from the start. The fast pace, the demanding nature of design, working within pre-determined limitations, it was great training. I’ve really enjoyed the path that has lead me to this point.

F: Where do you get your ideas from?

MB: Where don’t I get ideas from? Sometimes I wish I could turn that part of in my brain off. Getting to work in an art museum with all ages of people in a hands-on space is very idea stimulating. Helping others “think with materials” can be incredibly idea building. I think what’s happening is that my brain is always making connections between things I see, hear, encounter, taste, etc., illumination. A list of particular things that interest/ inspire me would include: growth patterns, moss, unexpected flavor combinations, the beach, photography, serendipitous and found marks, design blogs, work by Tara Donovan, modern and contemporary architecture, wandering in the library or the thrift store, visiting a city.

F: What projects are you currently working?

M: I’m working on some new surface patterns and some tests for new home products and messenger style bags for Kaybu. I’m also working on an installation of screen-printed felt forms of an exhibition in May. Last spring I sewed my first dress, so this spring I’d like to make a custom dress form so I can make more of my own clothes. I think that’s enough projects for now.

F: Thanks for letting me interview you. It was both fun and inspiring. We’ll defiantly check in with you in the future to see what you’re up too.

To see more of Meghan’s work:
Blog: kaybu.com
Shop: kaybu.etsy.com