Justin R. Cockrell
Graduation Year: 2021
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Type of Creative: Craft Artist and Educator
What They Do: Justin is a craft artist and educator who syncretizes traditional craft techniques with magical realism and quixotics to create queered functional pieces. Their work serves as records of human and material existence in the Anthropocene, using fiber, textiles, wood, and metal.
Their Journey: After graduating from Wellington in 2021, Justin is pursuing a BFA in Craft/Material Studies and a BA in Spanish Literature at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia. Initially interested in fashion design, Justin's passion shifted towards fibers and woodworking,
Justin's work is characterized by the use of weaving, quilting, and natural dye, along with sustainability-forward design thinking. They have exhibited their work at The Virginia MOCA, The Bascom, The Appalachian Center for Craft, and The Anderson Gallery. Justin has also participated in workshops at prestigious institutions such as Penland School of Craft, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, and The Crafting the Future Teen Takeover.
In addition to their studies at VCU, Justin attended the Yale Norfolk School of Art and Interlochen Center for the Arts. They are passionate about using craft as an avenue to help the world, weaving messages through their work and emphasizing the importance of communication. Justin's poetry, which they began writing in high school, serves as a form of research and a way to formalize their thoughts, influencing their craft practice.
Justin aspires to work in academia as a professor of textiles, combining their love for teaching with their studio practice. They believe that academia allows them to maintain a studio practice where their work continues to develop more meaning. Justin is committed to empowering others to engage with art and craft, emphasizing the importance of joy and creativity in people's lives.
The Wellington Impact: Justin credits Wellington for providing a supportive environment that allowed them to explore their artistic potential and develop their unique voice. Their advanced studio work at Wellington helped prepare them for a fine arts career, and winning the overall Art Award their senior year and receiving the book "The Wild Dyer" from Jaime Bennati significantly impacted their journey.
They fondly remember the opportunities Wellington provided to grow as an artist and writer, including advanced studio work, costuming for theatre shows, and leading El Jag Latin culture club starting their sophomore year. The support and encouragement from teachers at Wellington were instrumental in shaping Justin into the artist they are today.