Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Murty

Hi Nancy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a professional artist—it just didn’t seem like a practical career choice. My parents encouraged more predictable paths like teaching or nursing, but drawing was always part of who I was. Despite exploring other interests, I kept coming back to it.

I originally started college studying Physical Therapy, but after my first clinical experience, I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I took some time off to regroup and, after much exploration, it all clicked. I found there were career paths where I could combine my love of drawing with a more practical focus. That’s when I decided to pursue Graphic Design and Illustration at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

After graduation, I worked in the creative department of an ad agency, where I learned a lot about design, branding, and marketing. Seven years later, I took the leap and started my own company, Bee Creative. For 12 years, I licensed designs to Andover Fabrics, developed quilt patterns, and created promotional retail programs for the quilting industry. My time in advertising was invaluable, as it gave me the skills to market myself and develop materials that helped sales teams thrive.

During that period, I also became deeply involved in textile arts. I explored screen printing, silk painting, shibori fabric dyeing, and thread painting. I enjoyed the challenge of translating my creative visions into these mediums, often within the limitations of the techniques. I was fortunate to receive several awards for my textile work, including the prestigious Fairfield Master Award: Contemporary Artistry at the International Quilt Market & Festival in Houston. One of my pieces even made the cover of 500 Art Quilts: An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work, published by Lark Books.

I’ve always enjoyed learning new skills and pushing the boundaries of what I can do. Eventually, in 2013, I closed Bee Creative and began focusing on my true passion: becoming a full-time fine artist. My background in entrepreneurship, marketing, and design continues to be instrumental in my success today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Oh, it’s definitely been a bumpy road. There have been steep learning curves, moments of doubt, and plenty of uncertainty. One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from the security of a steady paycheck to working for myself.

For example, when my computer crashes, there’s no IT department to call! I had to learn more about technology than I ever imagined, and now my husband even defaults to me for tech support. I also had to pick up skills like accounting, social media marketing, and website design—things I hadn’t initially considered part of being an artist.

Deciding to shift gears and leave the quilting industry to pursue fine art was also daunting. The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but I’ve found that facing new challenges and keeping up with the latest technologies and trends keeps life interesting and rewarding.

I try to remain open to opportunities. My grandmother used to say, “For every door that closes, two more will open—you just have to decide which one to walk through.” That advice has stuck with me. Life is a series of paths and doorways, and I’ve learned to trust that when the time is right, the right opportunities will present themselves. Every experience builds on the last, preparing you for what’s ahead.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

The one comment I hear consistently about my work is my use of color. I’m fascinated by how we perceive color scientifically and emotionally—how different light sources affect color and how subtle variations can create the form of an object in a painting. More importantly, I’m interested in how far I can push and pull color without distorting the viewer’s sense of reality.

This curiosity keeps my work fresh. I like to observe the world around me and analyze what draws me to a particular subject. I think that deep level of observation, and my ability to explore the boundaries of color and form, sets my work apart.

One thing I’m especially proud of is that I’m always evolving. Whether through painting, textile arts, or learning new techniques, I’m constantly pushing myself to see what’s next on the horizon.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

My best advice for finding mentors or networking is to seize every learning opportunity that comes your way. Seek guidance from experts, attend workshops, and surround yourself with a variety of voices and experiences. I’ve found that every interaction—whether it teaches you what to do or what not to do—is valuable.

It’s important to stay curious, remain open to advice, and keep expanding your knowledge base. You never know where inspiration or your next big opportunity might come from or whose path you will cross again—when the time is right!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nancymurty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancymurty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyMurtyArt