Canadian Author Robin Sharma once said, “Mastery begins with humility.” No one knows this better than artist Ana Pau Noriega, founder of Kreyé. While many artists come from classically trained backgrounds rooted in institutes and universities, Noriega has an unconventional career in textile art defined by humility, patience and a natural eye for creativity.
Based in Mexico City, Noriega studied geography in school. It wasn’t until she was on a field research trip that she felt an unexpected inspiration to create art.
“It came at a very specific time in my life where I was really struggling to find some place to be in. I was doing research in Haiti, and I found that the power of creation could unite people, could heal, and I was sure I wanted to create something,” Noriega reflects. “Once I found textiles, I was sure that that was going to be my language and my way to get to know myself better.”
Instead of opting to learn textile art from a formal institute, she traveled across Mexico and learned the art of weaving from local artisans, using a pedal loom to create textiles.
“That was a very humbling and unique way to be introduced to this world. It’s not the artistic way through institutions or galleries. It was very cozy, and everyone was super nice and very welcoming.”
Learning the hands-on skills from master artisans helped Noriega gain the confidence to create her brand, Kreyé, in 2018. Years later, her studio has grown into a reflection of her creative vision and lived experiences. She creates two forms of textile art: core collections for large-scale projects, which she develops with the help of her assistant Norma Porras, and exclusive pieces developed as unique and unrepeatable works.
“Once I found textiles, I was sure that that was going to be my language and my way to get to know myself better.” - Ana Pau Noriega
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“A lot of people who are in the art world told me that I had to focus on one [form]. But then, I saw this opportunity to actually grow my studio,” she says, referencing the addition of her assistant. “I think it’s the best decision I’ve made because I can allow both [works] to exist in a very curious way. My creativity can bloom in different ways, so it’s a very nice balance.”
While every piece of art she creates is deeply connected to her personal journey, Noriega strives for her work to speak a more universal language, one that anyone can relate to. Because of this, she seldom shares the story behind each piece she creates.
“If someone asks me about the meaning and the story behind it, I’m really open to telling it, but I would also like the piece to connect with every person in their own unique way,” she says.
Her latest endeavor has been organizing a future collaboration on a piece with Arizona-based designer Alfonso Verduzco. Noriega says that working with him has been an enriching experience because they both enjoy pushing the visionary limits of what they are planning to create.
“It’s very special and really enjoyable to find a safe space to truly think as big as your mind can and [to find] a person that embraces that,” she notes.
Much like her journey to becoming a textile artist, Noriega’s creativity has never been limited by adhering to societal norms. As she reflects on the career she has built through breaking the mold of what is expected of artists, she can confidently say that her textile art is a reflection of her authentic self.
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