Fibers and fabrics are my all-consuming passion. I’m interested in how they can be woven, painted, dyed, sculpted, and manipulated to create different surface designs, textures, and forms. My work is inspired by the materials used and what they can portray.

Originally an art quilter, I began incorporating industrial and other nontraditional materials into my work. Repurposed clothing, metals, and aerospace materials are frequently used. With the introduction of nontraditional materials, my work has evolved from 2 to 3 dimensions. 

My techniques include sewing, quilting, painting, dying, monoprinting, sculpting, laminating, and assemblage.  I am particularly interested in rust dying and am continually refining my process to enhance the transfer of rust to fiber to create unique surface designs.

I have a BS in chemistry and use an experimental approach to my work.

​I live in Lake Elsinore, CA. 

Kris Estenger

​RESUME

Exhibitions
ArtVenture - Segerstroms Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa Sept 2022​

Orange County Fine Arts Showcase Gallery - Santa Ana 2022

Front Porch Gallery - Carlsbad 2022

​Recycled Art and Fashion Show - Monte De Oro Temecula 2013, 2012

Beverly Hills Art Show – Beverly Hills 2012

Mount San Jacinto Art Gallery – San Jacinto 2010 
Textures Fiber Art Show – Temecula Community Theatre 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Textures Fiber Art Show – Soft Expressions Anaheim 2009  
Fallbrook National Juried Gourd & Fiber Fine Art Show – Fallbrook Art Center 2008
Shiva Artistic Collections – Three Woman Show Escondido 2007

Publications
Quilting Arts Magazine – August/September 2007 Issue

Teaching
Painted Earth Art Studio – Kids and Adult Painting Classes 2006 - 2010
Musicians Workshop – Children’s Fiber Art Classes 2005

Awards
Orange County Fine Arts Showcase Gallery "Imagination" April 2022 - 1st Place 3D

Beverly Hills Art Show 2012 - 2nd Place 3D Mixed Media

Beverly Hills Art Show 2012 - Gil Borgos Award for Originality   

Education

BS Chemistry, University California Irvine 1984