Canton artist brings ecosystems into fashion

Whereas some artists would consider having a barn in your backyard a dream, a local artist refers to theirs as the “Bug Barn,” where you can only find the beauty within the creepy crawly critters. 

Located in Canton, NC, artist Dayna Walton creates wearable and usable pieces encompassing natural science illustrations.

“I do printmaking, illustration, murals, sometimes graphic design, but always kind of trying to pick parts of nature and our ecosystems that don’t get enough attention or maybe are overlooked,” said Walton.

Walton is the creator and owner of small business Solstice Handmade.

Solstice Handmade consists of various pieces for consumers to wear or use, such as patches, t-shirts, stickers, notebooks, bandanas and more. Walton works with other small businesses and local artists to create offerings made from recycled clothing, natural dye and more.

“The nice thing about screen printing is basically anything flat, you can do all this. I get to source different fun things to print on,” said Walton. 

Walton expresses how she feels the creatures and organisms illustrated in the pieces are parallel to those who consider themselves introverted or awkward. Many of the insects Walton illustrates are commonly “the overlooked” as well as ecosystems or fungi, just as individuals may not feel seen.

Walton’s small business, created in 2015, became a full-time business in 2020.

Solstice Handmade can be found at local stores, Snake Song in downtown Sylva, and online. Pieces can also be found in Grand Rapid, MI at various consignment stores.

According to Walton, it’s about living with the seasons and noticing how they come and go.

Throughout life, Walton has been fascinated with nature finding an interest in “the slimy, the overlooked, the in-between stages of growth and decomposition, beginnings and endings.”

As a child, Walton first began learning about textiles from her mother. “I started making clothing when I was in high school. I started my first Etsy with a good friend of mine when I was 14,” said Walton.

“When I went to college, they started offering more specialized art classes and I found natural science illustration and started looking for residencies and fellowships and opportunities to really learn more about the science side of things. And then that’s when Solstice Handmade became a thing.”

Through growth in education, Walton learned various mediums such as printmaking, illustration and murals. In 2019, she graduated with a B.F.A. and Excellence Award in Printmaking from Kendall College of Arts and Design.

Walton visited WNC after graduation for a residency in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. “I still feel like it was the peak of my life,” said Walton as it sparked her interest in moving.

Walton is originally from Michigan. She moved to Canton in August 2020 and has been actively running Solstice Handmade.

“I want to hear everybody’s stories, like I’m still in a place that’s really new to me, and I want to be sure that I do it justice. So come out and see me when I get to be in person places and like be a part of it.”

“There’s people who’ve lived here their whole lives and really just want to learn about what makes this place special,” said Walton.

Art classes are offered by Walton where she teaches a variety of mediums. The details can be found on Solstice Handmade.