Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaithlyn Cortez.
Hi Kaithlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The foundation of any journey, creative or not, begins with one’s childhood. When I think back to my first “studio,” my memory goes to my parents’ kitchen table/living room floor. I was blessed enough to grow with a family that allowed my creative actions to take over the house at a young age. I experimented with a lot of different art mediums, but a thread and needle was one that called to me the most. My connection to fabric and sewing can be traced to several generations of family members. Something about it feels natural and rooted in my DNA. Even though my use of textiles is unique from how my grandmother used textiles, I can still feel her in my work because she was all about going to thrift stores and finding materials to work with, similar to how I do today. When I was in middle school, I had a light bulb moment. During a time where most kids are told to lessen their attachment to stuffed animals, I held on pretty tight. My light bulb moment occurred when I learned that I can teach myself to take shapes, fabric, and basic sewing skills to create stuffed animals of my own. I remember carrying a secret folder in my backpack full of colorful drawings of all the plush creatures I wanted to make after school. I started bringing my imaginary friends to life at the age of thirteen. Now, with fifteen years of experience later, I’m still building on my sewing skills and expanding what I now call Earth Wrinkles. A lot of the work I create is reflection of my travels across the United States and my experience working seasonally at National Parks. I’m thankful to have people of such a vast age range that connect with my work. I’ve worked on commissions for not just kids but adult collectors too. What I love about where I’m at today is the awareness I have that my creations aren’t just a reflection of me and my inner world but the interests and stories of so many others across the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being someone who has been creating just for the sake of creating for so long, I found that transitioning to the selling and marketing side of things to be the largest learning curve. For the first several years of Earth Wrinkles, I was setting up at pop-up markets and festivals. It was a ton of fun exposing my unique creatures to our local community, meeting so many people, and fine-tuning what I want out of my brand. Being one person that creates all of my inventory, all while working other side gigs, took a lot out of me. Creating and designing my soft sculptures with greater intention requires slowing down, and that’s what I did in 2023. I’m really proud of the pieces I’ve made since starting Earth Wrinkles in late 2017. Seeing them evolve over time is kind of trip! I try to remember that running a creative business is a marathon, not a sprint. Remembering to create with quality over quantity is something that will always be valuable to me. I still plan on setting up for pop-ups here and there, but I love working on commissions and creating pieces for future art shows. I’m excited to see where my art journey takes me!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a soft sculpture fiber artist. I love to emphasize the *soft sculpture* element of my work. Considering that my art medium resembles “stuffed animals,” I want my audience to recognize that my unique creatures are not toys but one-of-a-kind works of art. Even though my Earth Wrinkles are built to be snuggled with, they’re also designed to add decorative whimsy to any space. Specializing in something that is nostalgic yet inviting to many people allows my audience to embrace a part of themselves that is rooted in childlike wonder and curiosity, no matter their age. Something I’m most proud of is my use of many different textures. A lot of the fabrics I use are sourced from secondhand clothing or donated fabrics, but I also mix new materials too. Specializing in such a tactile art medium allows me to help others feel soothed and calm through the different fabrics, shapes, colors, and weight of my fiber art. What sets me apart from others is my ability to see beyond myself, connect with others on a deep human level, and use that energy to propel a positive experience with past, present, and future art collectors.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many people in my life deserve credit! My whole journey is a collective experience, not an individual one. My first and foremost cheerleaders are of course, my family. Without the safe space, support, and nonjudgement they all gifted me, the work I would produce today would look pretty different. Another massive supporter of Earth Wrinkles is my fiancé, Christopher, and his family (my soon-to-be bonus family). They have been there since day one of Earth Wrinkles, and they’ve been such a huge supporter of this world I’m creating. It’s pretty awesome to have them, especially Christopher! If it wasn’t for his gift of giving me confidence to set up a booth and sell, I probably would still be creating behind the curtains. The success of my business is thanks to a lot of different people, but I would be remiss if I didn’t credit my collectors and those who talk about my art with their friends. Knowing that I have Earth Wrinkles in people’s homes around the world is something I never would have imagined when I first started sewing at thirteen years old.
Pricing:
- Bespoke Earth Wrinkles range $200-$475+
- Smaller pieces (4-6″) can start at $45 or more depending on detail/design
- Average size (13″) can range between $175-$375 depending on details/design
Contact Info:
- Website: https://earthwrinkles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthwrinkles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthwrinkles
