Fiber Artist Katie Graham Finds Healing in Storytelling

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Katie Graham is an Oklahoma-based fiber artist whose contemporary style is deeply rooted in themes of nature, the cosmos, and personal healing. After discovering a passion for embroidery and sewing as an adult, Graham has built a thriving full-time art practice, including a 10-piece fiber series called "The Story of Night and Day" that she expanded into a picture book. Graham's work often explores personal growth and overcoming challenges, and she has found success exhibiting at local art festivals, including winning the Emerging Artist Award at the Festival of the Arts last year.

Why it matters

Graham's journey from discovering fiber arts as an adult to becoming a full-time artist highlights the power of following one's creative passions, even if the path is not straightforward. Her blend of fiber, storytelling, and personal healing resonates with many, and her work has found a growing audience through local art shows and social media. As an emerging artist, Graham's story provides inspiration for others considering taking the leap into a creative career.

The details

Graham describes her fiber art style as "contemporary" and "inspired by nature, the cosmos, and healing." She didn't start working in fiber arts until adulthood, when her sister introduced her to embroidery. Despite initial struggles, Graham was drawn to the medium because it connected her to the fiber artists in her family, including her aunt who was an avid quilter. Graham's work is heavily focused on storytelling, with each piece exploring a narrative. Her 10-piece "The Story of Night and Day" series, which she later turned into a picture book, follows the journey of the character Night as she learns to overcome hyper-independence and accept help and love. Graham sees this as a reflection of her own personal growth.

• Graham started working in fiber arts as an adult after her sister introduced her to embroidery.
• In 2022, Graham debuted her "The Artist Closet" passion project at the monthly art walk in Norman, Oklahoma.
• Last year, Graham won the Emerging Artist Award at the Festival of the Arts in Oklahoma City.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Graham plans to host a fundraising art show in July to help her "The Artist Closet" project obtain nonprofit status. The event will invite local artists to create pieces using materials from the artist supply closet.