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“Blowing Minds,” a four-piece sculpture created by Krueger, expresses her frustration with communication. When she can't find the words to express herself, Krueger said she wishes she could blow her mind out to the world so that people could connect with her. The piece has been exhibited in Plemmons Student Union. Photo submitted

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“Never Belong” — a sculpture inspired by Krueger’s recurring nightmare of being spun in a tall chair many times until dizzy and screaming. Photo by Marie Freeman

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Ireri Krueger, shown here with “Never Belong,” often draws inspiration from her nightmares to create her sculptures. Photo by Marie Freeman

Krueger pays tribute to her Mexican roots, inspired by the Mayan culture, with this sculpture of a vessel titled, “In and Out.” Photo submitted

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An untitled self-portrait of the artist. Krueger grew up in Mexico City, where she began her studies at La Esmeralda, and returned to school more than 20 years later to complete a degree at Appalachian State University in studio art. Photo submitted

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Krueger’s sculpture of a woman with one hand held over her exposed mind and the other over her heart, titled “Decisiones,” was inspired by her father's belief that one should always make decisions with both the head and heart. Photo submitted

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“How? Dream in 1991” is based on a nightmare about a demon who cannot fly and who can't figure out how to fix the broken ladder at his feet. Photo by Marie Freeman

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“Mom's Worming Brain” is based on a dream Krueger had as a young woman about her mother, who is sensitive and often anxious. Photo by Marie Freeman

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Artwork by Ireri Krueger ’17

Posted Dec. 13, 2017 at 1:35 p.m.

December 2017 graduate Ireri Krueger has had vivid dreams since she was a child growing up in Mexico City, Mexico. It wasn’t until she became a studio art major at Appalachian State University — more than 20 years after she first pursued higher education in the arts — that she realized she could turn her dreams into art and achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a trained artist.

Dreams inspire Appalachian student’s sculptures
Dreams inspire Appalachian student’s sculptures
Dec. 13, 2017

After a 20-year absence from higher education, studio art major Ireri Krueger returned to achieve a lifelong dream. She is among seniors graduating this month.

Read the story

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
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