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, have 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.

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 andanimal 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. Kristina’s practice is shaped by a deeply personal sense of place 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.