Meet Illinois-based Artist K Kriesel

K Kriesel is a textile artist living in East Dubuque, Illinois.

For more of K’s work: INSTAGRAM

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to your East Dubuque?

K KRIESEL: I'm originally from Chicago, and I've moved around a lot! In April I moved to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, because this has always been Home to me, and I'm ready to settle down into a community. I also anticipate this area doing well as the climate changes, particularly in terms of fresh water and pollinators.

What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?

I was raised in a very abusive parish and left the Church for many years. It was only through the works of Catholic feminist theologians such as Elizabeth A. Johnson and Diana L. Hayes that I was able to return. Specifically, my Marian devotion brings me the maternal love that I never experienced as a child. My abusers kept me from my very loving extended family, who welcomed me when I escaped the abuse. My grandmother and aunts were all seamstresses and quilters, they taught me the textile arts. Now I combine my family's textile arts with Mary's maternal love.

Harvest Mary

Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?

Rosary groups, my spiritual advisor, and both feminist and LGBTQIA+ Catholics have been exceptionally supportive of my artwork.

Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

I've bonded with other artists over our shared Marian devotion, especially on Instagram.

How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

I think it would be great if more parish spaces held regular gallery events!

How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

The works of Corita Kent, Sr. Helena Steffensmeier, Sr. Teresita Kelly, and other women religious are not very well known outside of women’s religious communities. I would love to see the artistic world embrace and celebrate their inspiring works!

Where in East Dubuque do you regularly find spiritual and artistic fulfillment?

Grottos and shrines are scattered throughout my area, I love praying the rosary at them on beautiful days. I also greatly admire the local Dominican, Franciscan, and BVM communities - I'm currently pursuing a lay associate vocation!!

Blessed Heart

I find artistic fulfillment in the same places that I find spiritual fulfillment! Art and spirituality go hand-in-hand for me. I've also joined my local Embroiderers' Guild chapter!

How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in your city?

I just moved here in April so I'm still getting to know the people, and I have found so much welcome among the women religious! I highly recommend reaching out to the communities of women religious for both artistic and spiritual support.

What is your daily spiritual practice? And what are your recommendations to other artists for practicing their craft daily?

Every morning I pray the rosary while walking my dog, and I pray at the local grottoes and shrines. I met my spiritual director years ago through the diocese of Austin, TX and now we meet via Zoom.

Our Lady of the Dead

I sew every day! Keep it up, continue practicing and pushing yourself!

Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.

I showed my work at a local gallery show with other artists, fundraising to support a local domestic violence shelter. Working together to help those in need brought me such joy!

How do you afford housing as an artist?

I do have a day job to supplement my income.

What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?

Make connections, practice, and there is no shame in having to take a day job to pay the bills.