Felicia Murray creates fiber art environments inspired by her feelings, that come to life as she works on the pieces. She enjoys pushing the boundaries of a technique to create her art.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
I have always been super creative, I definitely get it from my mom! She taught me how to sew when I was younger, and it really made me love creating things with my hands.
Another thing that got me into textiles specifically, is that one of my first jobs when I was a teenager was working on an alpaca farm! I was able to learn so much about the animals and their fiber over the years, and was constantly surrounded by weavers, knitters, spinners, and so many other fiber artists.
When I went to SCAD for college, I found out that they had a fibers degree and it instantly all made so much sense!
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What different creative media do you use in your work?
When I was in art school, I fell in love with every class that I was able to take. It was so hard to choose one technique that I wanted to focus on.
It was a lightbulb moment for me when I started creating dimensional textile artworks that had a combination of different techniques. I started combining rug making techniques with needle felting, and the artworks came to life. I made new “worlds” that I could immerse myself in, and was able to reflect and meditate during the creation process.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I enjoy creating new environments for the viewer to experience, and within these environments, there are so many elements of nature, real and imagined.
A lot of my inspiration comes from my feelings, and those feelings are put into the process. I also love hearing what other people see in my work, because some people see the ocean, while others think of microscopic bacteria or fungi.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
A lot of my most recent work has been more intuitive. I think the finished artworks have a sense of play and curiosity when I don’t overthink them.
Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have?
With my professional artwork, I am a finisher and perfectionist! With my personal projects, not so much!
It is hard to give myself time to make things for myself, and so I have many WIPs, half-knitted sweaters and what-nots that need some love! I am moving into a new home soon and hope to give myself more time to do my own DIYs and projects that bring me joy.
Describe your creative space.
It is a mess! Sometimes it gets real chaotic in my studio, but I am lucky to have space to spread out. I was so stressed when I had my studio at home, as it was so hard to have such a big mess in the same space you live. Now I have an awesome space that is in a building with 100+ other artists and creatives. It is such a cozy place to work.
Scraps. Saver? Or be done with them?
I try to hold on to everything! Tufting creates a lot of scrap yarn, and I have a big bin that I sweep all my scraps into at the end of the day.
Have you found something intended for one media that works well for something else?
I really love pushing the boundaries of a technique. With tufting, typically it is used for making rugs, but I have never actually make basic functional rugs!
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I usually have a lot going on at once, as I have many different aspects of my work – workshops, products, commissions, collabs, and more!
How has your work evolved over the years? Is there a common thread (pun intended!) across the years?
As myself and my work has evolved, that growth is reflected in the work itself in its size and inspirations. I have been able to create larger than life work which is super exciting and have connected with so many incredible people and clients along the way!
Where can people see your work?
My main social media account is my Instagram, I love sharing my process with others through videos and also sharing finished projects and products. I also have my website where you can order DIY Kits, made to order upholstered seats, art, and more!
Visit Felicia’s website: https://www.feliciajmurray.com/
Follow Felicia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicia_murray/
Interview posted March 2025
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