Textile artist Tiziana Tateo loves to explore, experiment, and surprise. What started with a few quilting books soon turned into a creative journey using all kinds of materials—from fabric to plastic and even metal. Working in her studio with a view of a beautiful garden, Tiziana follows her curiosity to create bold textile art that is full of feeling and imagination.
When did textiles first enter your life? Do you remember the first piece you made that felt important to you?
One day, I came across some books about quilting and machine embroidery in an American bookshop. I was fascinated by the possibilities of expressing myself through textiles, and I found it very exciting to use free-motion machine embroidery and quilting.
The first piece I made that was important for me was my art quilt” Repainting Boudin”, which in 2002 received The Quilting and Embroidery Award in The Husqvarna Quilt Competition “Feel Free”.
How did your early work with quilts lead you into more experimental textile art?
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I started reading everything I could about the textile techniques, and I discovered that I could work on a variety of materials like plastic, paper, metal, and non-traditional materials.
Were you a creative child? What kinds of things did you love to make when you were young?
Since I was very young, I have preferred to dedicate my time to stitching and embroidery rather than to other forms of recreation and games.
When I was little, I learned to embroider from the nuns who looked after the girls at the parish youth club during the summer.
When did you first realize that textiles could be a serious artistic language for you?
As soon as I retired from my formal job, I embarked upon a focused period of personal research in the field of textile practice and an experimental stage of manipulation with textiles and other materials.
The Quilting and Embroidery Award gave me the input to continue in my artistic journey.
You later studied embroidered textiles in London. What inspired you to pursue formal study after working on your own for many years?
During a Fiber Art Exhibition in London, I met the well-known artist Julia Caprara, who invited me to enroll at the Opus School of Textile Art, which led me to earn in 2010 a degree in Arts Embroidered Textiles at Middlesex University.
What did studying textile art change about the way you see materials or approach your work?
I started to consider textiles not merely a medium, but a source of meanings, motivating me to work in a more conceptual way.
Your work often feels emotional and expressive. What inspires the themes you explore in your pieces?
I often take inspiration from magazines and paintings, but I work intuitively and spontaneously most of the time.
Figures are common in my work because of the feelings, emotions and dialogue they convey.
What role does curiosity play in your creative life?
My process is spontaneous, intuitive, and improvisational.
Describe your creative space.
I’m lucky to have my studio where I live with a view of a beautiful garden.
Every day, I work several hours in my studio while I listen to music.
How do you decide which materials belong together in a piece?
I don’t have preferred materials or textiles. I search for new and unusual materials to transform into unexpected results through manipulation.
Do you prefer working on one piece at a time or having several projects happening at once?
I have tried to make some works in series but the approach is too boring. Every new work claims a new voice.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
When it has a strong visual impact.
You’ve said that experimentation is an important part of your work. What does experimenting look like in your studio?
I try to make each of my works unique to stimulate the viewer’s imagination.
Do you usually start with a clear idea, or do your pieces evolve as you work?
It depends on the materials I have at hand, the content and sometimes the mood of the moment.
My studio has stashes of materials everywhere, but this arouses my creativity.
How do you push past moments when a piece isn’t working?
I’ll set it aside and wait for new ideas.
Your work has evolved a lot over the years in both materials and techniques. How would you describe that journey?
When I quit my job as a civil servant I worked full time to perfect my artistic techniques. I attended several art courses, such as interior decoration, batik, silk painting, and machine embroidery.
I started collaborating with magazines to create projects that were later reproduced on textiles.
I took a two-year online course about machine embroidery held by the renowned British textile artist Maggie Grey.
In 2010 I graduated in Arts Embroidered Textiles (BA/Hons) at the Middlesex University of London.
What keeps your work feeling fresh and exciting after so many years of making?
The ongoing search for new materials and techniques, and the satisfaction of exhibiting in Museums and in international juried exhibitions
Where can people see your work?
Visiting my website www.tizianatateo.com
Rapid-Fire Fun:
A material you love working with right now? Tyvek
One word that describes your creative process? Challenge
Hand stitch or machine stitch? Both of them
Favorite color right now? Red
Interview posted March 2026
Browse through more inspiring art quilts on Create Whimsy.