Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerensa Jorgenson.
Kerensa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in an artistic family of painters and ceramicists, I was raised trying a variety of different mediums of art. Over the past four years, I have fallen in love with fiber and textile art. I first began with hand embroidery, eventually discovering woven wall hangings, and taught myself how to weave on a loom. What had originally started as a hobby became an obsession with all types of fiber and textile goods. Combining different color palettes and finding unique, one of a kind supplies continued to capture my interest. I began selling my work at small craft shows, eventually making my way to exclusive events with companies like Anthroplogie and The Lab Anti-Mall within Southern California. Over the years, I have been able to sell and make custom pieces shipped to over 30 different states, teach and create hands-on workshops and events, and have my work featured in different locations around California.
During this time, I began a graduate program in Speech Language Pathology and will be graduating soon to become a medical SLP. The course work and clinical experiences are difficult, so having this art as an escapes really helps to align my focus and keep me feeling recharged. Today, I am happily running my online store and taking custom orders while finding balance with my coursework and internships. I find that even now, the same peaceful, meditative qualities that come with creating fiber art are still present within my practice. I love that there are always new techniques to learn and different styles to try, that continue to make this medium engaging and fun.
Has it been a smooth road?
Throughout my fiber art journey, the road has been full of trial and errors, wasted money, and the occasional disappointing outcomes. But I feel that’s how you learn your craft best when everything doesn’t necessarily go your way. Craft shows may not be as packed as you were hoping, a new technique you try may have completely gone wrong, or maybe you order the wrong supplies for an order. Either way, it’s these challenges that we overcome that make us tougher and more grateful when things do go right. I, personally, have been pulled many different directions during this journey. Balancing a part-time job, full-time graduate program, and still finding time for custom orders and new pieces has not been easy. Learning to structure my time to maximize the most out of my day has been a newly acquired skill, as has understanding when to say no. Turning down workshop opportunities or events has been difficult, but learning to advocate for yourself is an invaluable skill to have. Despite the bumps along this road, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m appreciative of every moment to learn and grow within my business and myself.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Wildflower Fibers specializes in fiber and textile art, using materials such as cotton, rope and wool fiber to create woven wall hangings, macrame, and hand-embroidered hoops. I’m proud that my materials are sourced from eco-friendly companies and small businesses like my own. I love to go driftwood and branch hunting on various beaches and trails to find the perfect sized piece to hang a weaving from. Minimizing my carbon footprint on this planet is an important goal of mine and I’m able to do so by using these types of companies and scavenging for my own materials. Travel is a huge passion of mine, and I take inspiration from all different kinds of locations and incorporate them into my art. My work takes on a very natural, earthy feeling, incorporating colorful mountain landscapes, texturized waves, and detailed floral compositions. I take my time to create these woven and embroidered fiber art pieces while being mindful of how the materials and colors intertwine.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel that out of all the counties within California, especially within Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County are the absolute best places to start out. The fact that there are events, markets, and shows nearly every week, makes it a little less challenging to begin. There are so many workshop sites to host in, boutiques to sell in, and wholesale opportunities all within these counties. I would recommend Instagram to connect and find the types of events or places you’re looking for, as well as local magazines, newspapers, and blogs online. These counties also have amazing backdrops for taking photos of your art or products. I love taking my art on a hike and finding that perfect shot in nature or driving around the city to find a fun location to use in the frame. I feel so grateful to call this part of the world my home!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/wildflowerfibersca/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflower_fibers/?hl=en
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