Textile artist Nancy Dobson shares how a lifelong love of fabric, nature, and playful experimentation shaped her creative path. From desert hikes and surface design to spontaneous problem-solving in the studio, Nancy’s work celebrates curiosity, intuition, and making without rules.
Can you tell us a little about how you first discovered textile art? What drew you to fabric and thread?
I was surrounded by very creative women when I grew up. They inspired me to pick up fabric, thread and paint, and just play and experiment.
Was there a moment in your childhood or early life when you knew you wanted to be an artist?
My love of fabric and fashion was a jumping-off point for studying fashion design in college. Although my life path took me in a different direction, my passion for creating has never left.
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When you started, did you envision doing the kind of work you make now? Or has that changed?
I took a quilting class during my first winter in Alaska, which was 1984. I had sewn for years, but I thought this would be a great winter project. I soon realized that I did not particularly enjoy following a pattern and making perfect points and stitches.
Fast forward a few years later ~ I took a surface design class at a local college. I realized that I didn’t need a traditional pattern to create quilts. I could do whatever I wanted! That was a turning point for me.
How does nature influence your work? Are there particular landscapes, plants, or textures that speak to you
Nature has a profound impact on my work. My husband and I are avid hikers who love to explore the canyons and ruins of the Southwest. The colors, shapes, and textures of the desert and canyon country hold a very special place in my heart.
What is it about found objects that inspire your work? Tell us more about using wasp nests.
When I am outdoors, I’ve always got my eyes open for interesting “things”. I sometimes bring the strangest things home, whether it be an interesting piece of wood a cool rock, or a wasp nest! I have created wall art and yard art with some of my treasures. The wasp nest is still waiting to be transformed.
Do travel or other cultures show up in your work? Have you visited places that deeply influenced your textile choices?
I don’t do a great amount of world travel, but I have been fortunate enough to visit a few places.
My latest trip was to Morocco, and what a feast for the eyes! The colors are so intense, and the bustle of the cities is sensory overload, so that trip surely gave me some inspiration for creating.
How do you balance inspiration and staying true to your own voice?
I guess for me, they go hand in hand. When I am inspired, I feel like I’m staying true to my creative voice.
Describe your creative space.
I am lucky to have a wonderful studio. The building is on our property, and began as a fruit packing shed. It has been many things since then, but when we purchased the property, I saw studio right away. With much work, it has become a great space.
When you start a new piece, what is your process? Do you begin with a big idea, or small details?
I have several different approaches to my work.
Sometimes I have a plan, with drawn-out ideas. Other times, I start with a piece of fabric and let it tell me what it wants to be.
Can you describe a time when a piece didn’t go as planned, maybe things got messy, or you hit a creative block, and how you solved it?
Ha! That happens more often than not! I think that’s why I enjoy not having an exact finished “look” in mind.
I enjoy the spontaneity of working through problem-solving until it works.
How do you know when a piece is “finished”? Do you ever second-guess yourself?
A piece is finished when I am happy with the way it looks. No magic formula for me.
Do you ever work on multiple pieces at once? How do you decide when to switch between them?
Yes, I do work on more than one piece at a time.
There are so many things I like to create, so I tend to go between fabric and paints, but then I’ll switch to working with wood and/ or metal.
And, now I’m taking a pottery class, so there’s that!
Has your process evolved over the years? If so, how?
My process and techniques have definitely evolved. I’ve taken many classes over the years, which has helped me be more open to exploring different processes and mediums.
How has your life as an artist changed you personally, emotionally, or spiritually?
I don’t know that it has really changed me in any of those aspects, but when I’m in my studio creating, or out in nature, I’m in my own little world of calm and happiness.
What advice do you have for someone who’s been making for a while but feels stalled? How can they rediscover their creative spark?
When I feel stalled, I find that looking through books or watching artists’ demos on YouTube is a great way to jumpstart fresh ideas.
Also, getting your paints, pencils, and sketchbooks out is a great creative exercise.
Where can people see your work?
My work can be seen on my website, www.nancydobson.com, and occasionally in various galleries and gift shops.
Interview posted February 2026
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