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How did your career as a textile artist begin?
I was introduced to the arts at a very young age thanks to my alternative educational upbringing (Montessori!) and my crafty mother, so I like to think my textile fever started then (picture me felting wool in the bathtub, age 3). I initially went to the University of Oregon for a general fine arts degree but ended up falling in love with textiles and transferred to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) to get a BFA in textiles. After school I worked in the interiors industry for a bit and then as an assistant for a fine artist (a taste of 2 very different worlds!). The pandemic is what really led me to having more time to create my own work and eventually launch my brand and creative practice full time as a small business. My first big project was a year ago: a commission of a large Montessori-inspired appliquéd quilt…I re-fell in love with making by hand and that is what really made me realize that I want to dive back into my own quilting and textile design as my career. And here we are!
What's your favorite part about the New York creative community?
My favorite part about New York is that everyone feels the struggle. I love complaining with others about the hilarious roller coaster ride it is to have creative practice in NYC. Everyone can relate to your struggles: from lost packages in trashed post offices, to gallery show drama, to who works for who, to the mess of taxes. It's such a cut throat experience to be a creative in NYC but I find solace in knowing that everyone in the creative community is struggling right alongside me!
What's inspiring you right now?
Our collective resilience! I am humbled by this pandemic and by the mass of trauma and loss and fight that the world is going through right now. The support systems that we have created (specifically Instagram, for me!) to adapt to our struggles are immense and powerful. I am inspired everyday by everyone's collective power to keep going and keep fighting for love and connection, and creativity. I am inspired by those who lift up others!
Follow along:
@kristamarieyoung on Instagram