Kristina Foley - USA

“Since the domestication of sheep over 10,000 years ago, feltmaking has evolved as an art form centreing both utility and beauty. Kristina honors the millennia-old relationship between humans and animals by celebrating the natural qualities of wool, infusing each piece with the essence of the animal without compromising on ethics.

Her connection to the land takes shape in natural fibers, drawing from the vast, untamed beauty of the American West. By building relationships with small, regional sheep farms and Shaniko Wool Company, a leader in traceable Merino, she is part of a broader movement that begins with land stewardship and connects to a domestic supply chain prioritizing regenerative farming practices. Kristina’s practice is shaped by a deeply personal sense of place and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Her technique allows the raw beauty of the fiber to emerge and transform through feltmaking, 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 earning a BFA in Fiber Structure and Interlocking at Syracuse University (2005), and continued her practice in Florence, Italy, after graduation. Influenced by the city’s artisan culture and her work with knitwear designer Boboutic, her craft reflects a deep respect for tradition and material.”

-Taken from Kristina Foley.

Photos taken by Christine James