John Mahoney’s love of art and design began at a young age, when he started making collages out of fabric scraps under his mother’s sewing table. After studying art at Amherst College and Chatauqua Institution, he moved to New York City, where he made highly decorative, colorful work in many media and exhibited in various group and solo shows. A trip to Japan in 1992 ignited a continuing interest in Japanese culture, which has historically made no distinction between fine art, appplied art, craft, and design.

In 2000 John founded and co-organized CoLaboratory, a 117-person art experiment, exhibit, and auction which benefited the families affected by 9/11. And in 2002 he started his own business producing hand-knotted rugs and hand-screened wallpapers based on carved carpets and murals he had been making. He specialized in custom work for interior designers and architects, and he also designed rug collections for Tai Ping and Zoffany. In 2009 he launched Print & Sew USA, a wholesale home furnishings and accessories collection dedicated to contemporary domestic textile manufacturing. Printed by hand on natural fibers, his designs explored the roots of modernism in Art Nouveau, the Aesthetic Movement, and Edo-period kimono stencils. In 2012 his “Foo” Throw Pillow won Best New Home Accessory at the NY International Gift Show.

John enjoys working closely with factories and artisans to develop new materials and techniques, and in 2012 he designed a capsule rug collection for Merida, using innovative fiber combinations and tufting techniques. He has designed and developed products for Winter Design Group, whose clients include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and The British Museum. He also does graphic design, branding, and identity programs for a range of clients.

John’s work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, and he has been a guest speaker at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. His work has been featured by National Public Radio, the New York Times Style Magazine, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The New Yorker. His home was recently published in And North, where his wide range of talents and eclectic assortment of inspirations is on full display.