Using the ancient technique of felt making, Kristina Foley creates art and textiles that
infuse nature, warmth, and a wild opulence into everyday life. Since the domestication of
sheep over ten thousand years ago, felt making has evolved as an art form centering both
utility and beauty. Kristina honors this millennia-old relationship between human and
animal by celebrating the natural qualities of wool, infusing each piece with the essence of
the animal without compromising on ethics.
Kristina’s connection to the land as expressed through natural fibers and botanical color,
is reminiscent of the Dutch artist Claudy Jongstra, yet rooted in the vast, untamed beauty
of the American West. By building relationships with small, regional farms and mills to
source wool, she is part of a broader movement that begins with land stewardship and
connects to a domestic supply chain prioritizing regenerative farming practices, animal
welfare, and the safety of farm workers while collaborating with designers, artists, and
educators. A deeply personal sense of place shapes Kristina’s practice and
unwavering commitment to sustainability. The transparency of her artistic process emphasizes the
authenticity of the materials she uses. Like industry leader Stella McCartney, Kristina shares a commitment to animal
friendly design and chooses local and Responsible Wool Standard-certified wools for their
renewable, biodegradable, and enduring qualities. Her technique allows the raw beauty of
the fiber to emerge and transform through felt making, resulting in works of art that invite
a respectful, reciprocal connection with the beauty, utility, and spirit of the animal. Kristina Foley was introduced to
felting wool while completing a BFA in Fiber Structure and Interlocking at Syracuse University (2005), and continued her practice in Italy after
graduation. The artisan culture of Florence, along with her professional work for knitwear designer Boboutic,
has deeply influenced her craft. Kristina’s felted pieces highlight the incredible wool available from small
farms in the PNW and multi-generation fiber mills across the country.
Photos: Christine James
Photos - Christine James