The Beauty Between Sawdust and Silk

Creativity can take many forms, and for Paulina Brie Kriebel, her passion lies in fabric art. For many years, Paulina has been creating stunning fiber clothing through her artistic endeavors, and it’s been her primary source of income for a long time. Her journey in this field has not been straightforward, but through dedication and persistence, she has carved out a name for herself in the fabric art world.

When one door closes, another usually opens, which is what led Paulina to pursue a career in fabric art. She has always been interested in working with her hands and took classes at the Oregon College of Art and Craft during the 1970s. After years of working with her husband as a woodworker, she discovered that she was allergic to wood dust. She wanted to continue pursuing a creative career, so she returned to school and earned a degree in apparel design from the Art Institute in Portland in 1992. There, she developed an affinity for fiber and learned to spin, weave, and dye fabrics while mastering surface design methods such as printing, dyeing, and painting on preexisting materials.

Paulina has experimented with a wide range of materials, including commercial fabrics combined with painted fabrics and appliques. Before the pandemic, Paulina attended eighteen to twenty craft shows a year, including quilt shows, where she was one of the few who sold clothing. Her business took a hit with the pandemic, so she is now focusing on quilting and attends about ten shows a year.

For aspiring fabric artists, Paulina offers some invaluable advice. She emphasizes the importance of dedication and resilience in your art journey. “Do your best work, aim high, develop a thick skin, and don’t let someone else’s opinion of your work stop you. Don’t take anything personally,” she advises. She emphasizes that art is subjective and the opinions of others should not deter you from your distinct aesthetic. Moreover, she champions smart financial habits. She suggests that artists should begin saving when they start making money from their work. This financial cushion can allow them to explore their craft without added stress.

Paulina has an ongoing association with Valley Art, where she serves as a board member and contributes actively towards its growth. Her role in the organization has allowed her to influence its direction and ensure it remains a nurturing space for artists. Her bond with Valley Art is not just administrative but also creative. Two years ago, she had the opportunity to showcase her work at Valley Art in a particularly special show because she shared the platform with her daughter. This was an occasion of great pride and joy for Paulina, as it reflected her artistic journey and the continuation of her family’s art legacy. The exhibition was well-received and further strengthened her ties with Valley Art. The experience reinforced her belief in the institution and her commitment to fostering an environment that supports and encourages artistic expression.

The fabric art of Paulina Brie Kriebel is a celebration of creativity and imagination. With her immense talent, perseverance, and artistic curiosity, she has created a unique body of work that brings joy to her customers. Her work speaks to the power of art to make connections and inspire wonder, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

If you want to see Kriebel’s extraordinary fabric art in-person. Visit briekriebelclothing.com today to check out her upcoming show schedule, or stay updated on her latest works and exhibitions by following her on Instagram @briekriebel. You can also see her work in person at Valley Art, 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove.