Beth Ross Johnson was introduced to handweaving in 1970 and quickly directed her attention to the folk textiles of Japan where she has had two extensive stays to work and study. She has been a student of Norman Kennedy for decades and completed an MFA in textiles at Georgia State University in 2006. During her COVID year, Beth started researching the history and technique of sashiko-ori and the cotton and linen ikats of Europe, especially France. Both research projects have required work on the loom reconstructing these textiles as a way to understand them. Beth weaves in her studio in Black Mountain, NC and teaches at a number of institutions including Penland School of Crafts and the John C Campbell folk School.