Margaret Littlejohn (Wakefield)
About Margaret Littlejohn (Wakefield)
Margaret Littlejohn is a dynamic force in the world of contemporary art, known for her deeply personal and evocative works that resonate with passion and cultural heritage. Hailing from the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina, Littlejohn's roots are steeped in the rich traditions of the Cherokee people, a connection that profoundly influences her artistic journey. Her early life was a tapestry woven from diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Atlanta to the serene vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains and the South Carolina Lowcountry, each leaving an indelible mark on her creative expression.
A self-taught artist, Littlejohn's path to embracing her artistic calling was anything but conventional. The demands of young motherhood and the challenges of supporting her family initially placed art on the periphery of her life. However, her inherent creativity, passed down through a lineage of artistic family members, eventually found its way to the forefront. It was after overcoming personal and health challenges, including a hiatus due to bipolar disorder, that Littlejohn fully committed to her craft, guided by a renewed sense of purpose and a psychiatrist who understood her unique needs as an artist.
Littlejohn's work is celebrated for its vibrant colors, dynamic forms, and the profound sense of movement that animates her pieces. Her artistic process is intuitive, often sparked by the simplest elements—a fleeting moment, a melody, or a visual pattern. She meticulously records these inspirations in a ledger, allowing them to develop into comprehensive series. Her mixed media works, primarily executed in professional-grade water media on hot-pressed paper, capture the essence of life through themes of movement and organic forms, often exploring the intersection of tradition, colonization, and identity in Native American culture.
Exhibiting a style that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in realism, Littlejohn's art has been showcased in prestigious venues, including the Wyld Gallery in Austin, Texas, and the Spider Gallery in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She has earned recognition as an Emerging Artist at Kituwah and has been featured in renowned festivals such as the Red Earth Festival and the Santa Fe Indian Market. An active member of several artist guilds and a founder of the Aiken Horse & Hound Artist Group, Littlejohn is committed to mentoring other Indigenous artists. Her vision is not only to create art that brings joy and contemplation but also to inspire and uplift through a celebration of creativity and resilience.