If you’ve visited the Inspired Health clinic recently, you’ve likely noticed the beautiful textile artwork hanging in our space. We are excited to introduce you the local artist behind the piece – Megan Leedom of Little Larch Studio. She combines traditional weaving and macramé techniques to craft wall hangings that are rich in both color and texture. Read on to learn more about Megan’s creative process, the inspiration behind her work, and the ways nature continues to shape both her art and daily life.

IHM: Hi Megan! We’ve been receiving lots of interest in your beautiful piece hanging in the Inspired Health clinic, so we’re thrilled to introduce you to our patients and community! Let’s begin with a little bit about you and how you found your way to this specific art form.

ML: I started doing macramé as a hobby in 2019. I spent a summer in the tiny secluded village of Stehekin in the North Cascades of Washington, a place I discovered and fell in love with during my thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. There is no cell service or internet or TV there, so I took up macramé as something to do in the evenings in my cabin. The act of tying knots and making patterns was really enjoyable and meditative. My love for the craft really took off during the winter of 2020/2021. I was living in a barn in the Methow Valley in Washington. The barn had huge walls and very high ceilings, so I started experimenting with different macramé styles and doing more large-scale pieces. I decided to start an Instagram page to see if I could maybe sell a few things and was surprised at how much local interest I received. I ended up doing a few commissions and selling in some of the local shops.

I didn’t start weaving until a couple years ago. I moved back to Bend in the fall of 2023 after a lot of traveling and built myself a couple frame looms out of old canvas frames. I immediately loved it, especially how the process allowed me to play with more colors and textures. Shortly after that, a serendipitous turn of events led me to a studio space at The Workhouse, where I continue to make my art.

IHM: For those of us who are not especially textile savvy, could you explain the technique involved in traditional weaving and macramé and how the two differ?

ML: Weaving generally involves using a loom, while macrame is essentially the art of tying knots. I enjoy both techniques and often combine the two into an art called macraweave. I start by making a pattern and structure with macrame knots and then weave into the spaces between the knots to create a woven wall hanging.

IHM: Where do you find inspiration and materials for your work?

ML: I find all my inspiration in nature. I spend most of my time outdoors and I love long-distance hiking (also known as “thru hiking”). Moving across a landscape at 3 miles per hour from sunrise to sunset for months on end has made me much more observant of the world around me. Even when I’m on a short walk I still make sure to take in my surroundings–the changes in light, interesting textures, colors, patterns. I base all of my pieces on something that has caught my eye while being outside. I’m always stopping to take photos of little details I find beautiful or interesting. Last spring I hiked the Oregon Desert Trail, a 750-mile route from Bend to Lake Owyhee. A lot of my recent work has been inspired by being immersed in some very remote and beautiful locations in eastern Oregon.

IHM: What does your creative process typically look like? Do you begin with a clear vision, or do you let the piece evolve organically as you create?  

ML: Because my work is inspired by nature, I often come up with an idea based on a place where I’ve recently hiked. I’ll start with a color palette I associate with that time or place and then I start weaving and see where it takes me. I generally don’t sketch anything out, I like to just go with it and see how it evolves. When I’m doing more geometric macramé pieces I do tend to start with a more concrete idea and a sketch of some kind, but the weavings are created much more organically.

IHM: Creativity (& Play) is one of our 8 Pillars of Inspired Health so we’d love to explore the connection between art, creativity, and well-being. What does wellness personally mean to you and how does it look in your everyday life?

ML: To me, wellness means spending as much time as possible outside and also getting good restful sleep. I really feel the two go hand-in-hand. I try to go walk outside every day to observe both the sunrise and sunset, a practice that helps to set the circadian rhythm. When I’m rested and have spent some quality time outdoors is when I really feel inspired to be creative. It’s during my morning and evening walks in the forest that I tend to come up with most of my creative ideas. There’s something about listening to the birds and the wind through the trees that is so relaxing. I’m able to stop dwelling on any stresses in my life and just let my mind wander.

IHM: I’m sure it’s impossible to choose, but do you have a favorite piece you’ve created or one that feels especially meaningful to you? 

ML: I made a custom piece for a client here in Bend a few months ago and I absolutely loved how it turned out! Sometimes I get a little stressed when I’m doing custom work. I tend to second guess things and worry about whether the client will like my design. This one in particular, I had a hard time getting into the flow of, but finally it clicked and turned out beautifully and my client loved it! It’s also pretty cool to know that something I made will be a centerpiece of someone’s home.

IHM: Are there any books, podcasts, or films that have been nourishing or inspiring you lately – creatively or personally?

ML: One podcast I’ve been loving lately is called “Strangers On a Bench”. In each episode the host approaches a stranger on a park bench and records the conversation that ensues. It’s always a really interesting conversation that usually ends up going in a very unexpected direction. Sometimes enlightening, sometimes heartbreaking, it’s just really good and makes me feel better about humanity.

IHM: Is there anything upcoming in your world that you’d love people to know about or keep an eye out for?

ML: I have some upcoming events this summer, starting with the Bend Handmade Market on June 6. After that I’ll be at the Lake Oswego Art Festival at the end of June, Art on the Green in Coeur d’Alene at the end of July, and the Sunriver Art Fair at the beginning of August. I’ll also be showing a piece at the High Desert Museum’s annual Art In The West show, opening July 18th. I have a fun project in the works for the fall, combining my love of long-distance walking and weaving. I’ll be traveling to Japan and have plans to do a hiking and weaving combo project, but I don’t have all the details ironed out quite yet, so stay tuned!

IHM: And as usual, let’s share some Central Oregon love!  Can you share a couple of your favorite local businesses?

ML: I have to give a shout out to the Old Ironworks Arts District! A lot of people in Bend don’t know about this creative little gem of a space on the other side of the tracks. Cafe des Chutes is one of my favorite places—such a cute space with killer coffee and European-style eats. There’s also Gathered Wares, Mud Lake ceramics studio, Howl Goods, Desert Rose Cactus Lounge, and of course The Workhouse. It’s such a cool community here filled with independent artists and businesses. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit to the cafe to enjoy coffee and a bite on the quaint patio and then a cruise around the art studios and shops. During the summer we’re having a little party here every second Sunday with a vintage pop-up market, a DJ, and outside bar.

Thank you Megan!

Learn more about Megan’s work at: www.littlelarchstudio.com and give her a follow on Instagram @littlelarchstudio. If you’d like to see her work in person or say hello at the studio, visit The Workhouse at 50 SE Scott St #6 in the Old Ironworks Art District in Bend.