Chris Triola is a nationally known designer of limited-edition
knitwear, a noted lecturer and workshop leader on the creative process, and
a successful business owner. Shi is also a member of the Board of Trustees
of the American Craft Counsel.
Working exclusively
with fibers and fabrics since 1973, Chris designs knit garments that are presented
in a quiet, understated manner for the artistic
woman. Her clothing extends beyond traditional aesthetics of color, line,
and texture. Each piece is created from natural cotton fibers that have been
dyed to her specifications. Colors and textures combine into luxurious fabrics
that are then crafted into original designs. Each piece is designed and constructed
to speak of confidence and quality with timeless grace. Each woman who wears
CHRIS TRIOLA is speaking volumes without saying a word!
Chris’ extensive background in the Visual Arts includes BA and MA degrees
in Art and Art Education from Michigan State University, with an emphasis
on drawing, painting, and serigraphy. A high school art teacher for 20 years,
she discovered fibers in the early 1970’s while teaching in a classroom
equipped with a loom. A painter by training, she was fascinated with the
concept of “3-dimensional color structures” (clothing) that could
be worn.
Determined
to learn everything about this craft, Chris began an extensive investigation
of textiles, studying with national and international leaders
in the field, collecting data, and endlessly experimenting on her loom. In
time, she began exhibiting her fiber works in galleries and from such experience
came designing and producing clothing for others in the late 1970’s.
Chris was wearing her own hand-woven garments and a gallery owner asked for
something similar for herself. Chris left the classroom in 1991 to establish
Chris Triola Designs, a limited-edition production studio. The first 10 years
Chris Triola Designs functioned as a cottage industry with 10 women weaving
and knitting on hand machines. In 2000 sophisticated knitting equipment was
brought into the studio and the current system of in-house production was
established. In 2004 a separate studio was established. In 2004 a separate
studio for sewing on-of-a-kinds from knit pieces was established. Working
in collaboration with dedicated artisans, Chris Triola Designs produces 2
major collections and unique signature pieces each year.
Chris’ work has been selected for exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute,
the Philadelphia Museum of Art, all of the American Craft Council shows,
has been featured in American Craft magazine, and is sold in galleries nationwide.
