written by
Morgan Laurens

Sustainable Sculptor Megan Morgan Sings the Body Electric

Q+Art 6 min read

Within there runs blood, the same old blood! the same red-running blood! There swells and jets a heart, there all passions, desires, reachings, aspirations.

This incantation—buried deep in the seventh stanza of Walt Whitman’s monumental “I Sing the Body Electric”—echoes in the work of Megan Morgan, whose crimson sculpture “La Sangre se Hincha/The Blood Flow” (pictured above) draws inspiration from the poet’s celebration of the human body and its eternal soul.

“Whitman’s poem exalts the physical body, presenting it as sacred and equal in all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or social status—a radical idea in the mid-19th century,” says Megan, describing the poem’s influence on her macabre, mannequin-like sculpture. “In ‘La Sangre se Hincha,’ I aimed to convey the belief that all bodies, regardless of status, are worthy of celebration. The absence of a protective skin layer reveals the inner core of humanity. Without the appendages or head, the figure becomes a raw and exposed form, suggesting both fragility and strength. The burlap’s rough texture further emphasizes the exposed, unprotected nature of the figure, making vulnerability palpable and visible.”

‘Heliocentric’

Using “humble” upcycled materials to craft her sculptures, Megan simultaneously channels the radical egalitarian vision in Whitman’s eco-poems and works to preserve the natural world that he cherished. Works like “Heliocentric,” while brightly painted and crafted mainly from Megan’s signature material, burlap, the sculpture also includes a repurposed vehicle suspension coil and pottery wheel. “By repurposing materials, I strive to make a positive impact on the environment,” says Megan. “Although the amount I use is small, each drop of paint I save from ending up in a landfill contributes to a healthier planet.”

While she embraces sustainable materials for their practicality, Megan’s fascination with burlap and tusche washes reveals a deeper exploration of unpredictability in both form and expression. Describing burlap as “surly,” she emphasizes its rough texture, which evokes a sense of rawness and primal grounding in her work. Similarly, Megan finds freedom in the capricious behavior of tusche, which can be light and airy when dry or explosively dynamic when wet. “The unpredictability is liberating,” Megan explains. “It allows me to express emotions and moods in an organic, natural way, without the constraints of meticulous control.” This interplay between precision and spontaneity mirrors the rhetorical nature of Whitman’s ever-evolving prose, eternally bridging the gap between chaos and order, body and soul.

Scroll through to read our interview with Megan Morgan, then head to our January 2025 exhibition, Out of Body: New Narratives in Figurative Art, to see her submission, "La Sangre se Hincha.”

In Today’s Q+Art Interview…

Megan Morgan discusses the “Under $100 Wall” inside her studio, how using tusche wash encouraged a more intuitive approach to artmaking, and why her life feels like a series of unexpected adventures that lead to serendipitous encounters.

‘Germinate’
‘Give and Take’

How does the unpredictable nature of tusche wash inform your artistic decisions, and how do you find a balance between control and spontaneity in your work?

Megan Morgan: Using tusche wash shifts me from a structured, planned workflow to a more intuitive, responsive approach. While I may begin with a vision of what I want to achieve, the tusche wash paint rarely lands where I expect it to, prompting me to stay fluid and adapt in real time, making decisions as it drifts beyond its intended path.

What’s something you keep in your studio that would surprise us?

MM: At an arm’s reach, I’ve curated my  “Under $100 Wall,” a little collection of artworks I’ve gathered from artists of all ages and backgrounds, including non-professionals. Each piece has its own special meaning to me and brings a sense of joy and inspiration. These small, humble works quietly remind me to stay grounded and true to my artistic path.

‘Deconstruct to Reconstruct’
‘Deconstruct to Reconstruct’ (detail)

In your artist statement, you mention the themes of struggle and vulnerability reflected in your work. How do these themes manifest in specific pieces?

MM: In “Deconstruct to Reconstruct,” the theme of struggle is represented by the roots that snake their way down through layers of burlap and emerge triumphantly at the top. This process reflects a journey of breaking down and rebuilding, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity. The layers of burlap echo the complexity of human experience, where growth often comes through struggle and deconstruction.

Tell us about your favorite books. How do they inform or influence your work?

MM: I love listening to Beloved by Toni Morrison, especially read by the author—it feels like literature in its purest form. Oddly, I enjoy Moby Dick for its epic length, humor, introspection, and the obsessive details of whaling. I’ve also appreciated Poor Things by Alasdair Gray, particularly the section where Bella tells her story in her voice, reclaiming her narrative and revealing her autonomy beyond her husband’s perspective.

‘Horsepower’ (front)
‘Horsepower’ (back)

What does success mean to you as an artist?

MM: Success as an artist means creating a deep connection through my art. It's about provoking thought, sparking emotion, and fostering a dialogue with the viewer. The rough texture of burlap, combined with the layers of repurposed paint and the tactile nature of the materials, invites people to engage with the piece on a sensory level, offering an intimate experience. Success is not just in completing the work but in how it resonates with others and makes them pause, reflect, and feel something about the human condition and the world we inhabit.

If you were a fictional character, who would you be?

MM: Sometimes, I feel like I might be like Forrest Gump if I were a fictional character. My life seems full of unexpected adventures, serendipitous encounters, and moments that turn out to be significant, even though I often feel ordinary. I feel like events or people’s lives affect me in unintended ways that I don’t fully understand until later. I tend to approach life with a simple heart and straightforward intentions, even when things around me get really complicated.

My journey feels like a series of interconnected stories—a mix of comedy, tragedy, and triumph. No matter what happens, I try to stay true to myself, holding onto my values and authenticity, even when the world keeps changing. Sometimes, I surprise both myself and others with what I’m able to accomplish or experience. Even though change can feel stressful in the moment, I think there’s a part of me that secretly enjoys the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns, especially when they catch me off guard.

‘RIP’

What do you do to maintain your mental health?

MM: Walk, run, and make time for art, family, and friends.

What do you hope viewers take away from your work, particularly in relation to the broader themes of environmental awareness and the celebration of individuality?

MM: I hope viewers take away a sense of permission to be open to their feelings, embrace their individuality, and understand that they are valid in whatever they create—whether it’s something entirely new or deeply personal. In my work, particularly using repurposed materials like burlap, I want to draw attention to the environmental impact of what we consume and discard while also celebrating the power of creativity as a form of personal and collective expression.

Don’t worry about its commercial value or how it will be received. The act of creation is more important than any external measure of success. Let your ideas flow freely, without judgment. Some may resonate with others, while some may not, but the ones that connect people are truly beautiful and powerful. In a world where disconnection seems to be growing, creating ways for people to come together feels meaningful. When we truly see each other, we open the door to greater compassion.

Sculptor Megan Morgan (left) with Ellen Allen and ‘La Sangre se Hincha’ at the NoBo Bus Stop Gallery.

Megan Morgan: Website | Instagram | Facebook

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission from Megan Morgan; featured image: "La Sangre se Hincha.”

sculpture fiber sculpture fiber art fiber artist tusche wash sustainable art sustainable sculpture eco-art artist interview Walt Whitman I Sing the Body Electric contemporary sculpture