Meet Brigid Oesterling of Brigid KO Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brigid Oesterling.

Brigid, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been an artist and maker of some sort. Over the years, I’ve studied photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture and more. I love the challenges of learning new methods and techniques in different mediums.
In my early 30s, I decided to stop making art because I was concerned with the impact of my being on the planet. I thought that I was just contributing to creating more stuff… however, it turned out that I just couldn’t stop making. So, I became interested in using reclaimed and recycled materials to create art. One day, while changing the tire on my motorcycle, it occurred to me that the tube was a wonderful, material that was just going to be sent to the landfill. At the time, I was teaching myself how to sew and was using an alternative, recycled materials. So, the inner tube material fit right into this new theme. Also, around this time, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a catalyst in assessing a lot of my ideas about what I wanted my life to be. And, because my amazing community put together a fundraiser for me at this time, I needed something special to wear to the event. I had been playing around with the inner tube rubber and decided to make a couture piece for myself. This is how the fashion line started. Now, almost ten years later (and cancer free!), I still love creating completely one of a kind, couture pieces from reclaimed inner tube rubber, recycled leathers and fabrics. I’ve seen my work on runways for Fashion Week in Vancouver and San Francisco. And, on one of Lady Gaga’s dancers!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is an adventure and, I love my work most days but, I would not say that it has been a smooth road. I have the drive to create art however, being an entrepreneur and creating income from my work has been difficult. It has been a huge learning curve to gain the skills of a business owner. This is a one-woman show that I am bootstrapping so, I do back end web work, marketing, social media, retail and wholesale, customer service… you get the idea… and, I still need to create the time to create new work, go hiking and hang out with my partner, family, and friends.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brigid KO Designs – what should we know?
Brigid KO Designs – Currently I am creating in a variety of mediums. I make avant-garde clothing and costuming using recycled innertubes and other reclaimed materials.

I also create collage pieces and accessories from real pressed flowers. I hand build reclaimed wooden frames, dry and press flowers, and pour resin over the work. I’ve been having a blast making collage pieces with peoples special occasion and, wedding flowers!

And, I use recycled silver, copper and brass, and natural stones to make unique jewelry and personalized talisman. I love Silver and Turquoise!

What sets my business apart is the attention to personalized, one of a kind pieces of artwork, clothing, and jewelry.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have gotten so much love and support from my local community. And of course, my partner and family and, my friends and customers. Also, I have gained so much confidence meeting other artists who are succeeding at what they do and always encouraging me to push on.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brigidko.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @brigidko

Image Credit:
Jack Parker Photography

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