You’ll find Christa Wissler working on a variety of projects all at the same time. She works intuitively to create her works of art, using a variety of media.
When was the first time you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
I’ve always known that I was creative in one way or another. It’s just always been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember.
How does your environment influence your creativity?
My studio is in my home, so I feel that greatly influences my creativity. I’m a pretty spontaneous person, and this gives me the opportunity to create whenever the mood strikes.
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Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration everywhere really. Often I’m inspired by color combinations, patterns, and textures I notice on my daily walks with my dog. I’m also inspired by shapes and silhouettes of clothes from the past.
If we asked a good friend of yours to describe your work, what would they say?
I’m a pretty authentic person so I think my best friend would say that my work is a true reflection of who I am.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
I don’t tend to plan too much ahead of time. Usually it starts with an idea, then I gather my materials and start putting together colors and textures.
How often do you start a new project? Do you actively work on more than one project at time?
I constantly start new projects. It’s not uncommon for me to have no less than five different projects going on at a time.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
A number of years ago I wanted to combine knitting and crochet to make a dress. Since I crochet at light speed and knit very slowly, I tend to use a knitting machine instead of knitting by hand. My machine likes to capriciously drop stitches, and when I was almost finished, that’s what happened.
At first, I was upset and considered unraveling the whole thing. Then, I decided to embrace the dropped stitches and embellish them with crochet. I finished the project, and it was one of my favorite dresses that I ever made.
Usually a new work comes about because I have an idea in my head that I want to try. Sometimes, like with the dress, a mistake can turn into something great.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I love the beginning, especially if things are coming together. I really do not like weaving in the ends when I finish a crochet project.
How has your work evolved over the years? Is there a common thread(pun intended) across the years?
Because I am self-taught and do not use patterns, my work has definitely evolved over the years.
When you work intuitively like I do, trial and error is a big part of the process. I’m constantly learning every day, in work and in life. In my opinion, my authenticity is the common thread in my work. I don’t follow trends or styles, and I believe that my work reflects that.
Do you prefer the kind of project that is challenging and requires attention or the kind where you get in your meditative zone and enjoy the process?
I actually like both, because they balance each other out quite nicely.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
I usually have a million ideas spinning around in my head but I tend to have a lack of motivation during the winter months. Because it’s a slow time of year for my business, it’s when I like to explore different creative mediums. This winter, I’ve been using recycled paper to make paper clay, and it’s been so much fun.
Where can people see your work?
https://www.wildchildfibers.com
https://www.instagram.com/wildchildfibers
Interview posted February 2025
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