We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change when I started my creative career. I had the chance to raise my two daughters and be really present — volunteering at their schools and being there for all the little things. That time was important to me, and I wouldn’t trade it. Even then, I was always creating in some way — sewing, painting, making things for the house or with my kids. That creative thread never really stopped.

When I did dive into my art full-time, I brought all those years of experience with me — from fashion design, to window displays, to murals, and even furniture making. Each phase was a building block. I was always building with my hands, solving problems, and layering ideas — and all of that shows up in my process now. Starting earlier might’ve given me more technical practice, but I don’t think the work would have the same depth or meaning. I feel like I started at exactly the right time, with the right perspective.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started designing and sewing my own clothes in my early teens by mixing fabrics, adding trims, and just having fun making things totally my own. Looking back, I was probably a little too creative sometimes, but that was part of the fun. I’ve always loved working with my hands and experimenting, and that never really stopped. I went on to study clothing and textiles in school, and over the years I’ve stayed connected to creating in some form, through design, murals, furniture, baking, and eventually, fine art.

The artwork I make now grew naturally out of that background. I started creating pieces for my home by combining machine-stitched fabric with hand sewing and paint to make textured wall art that really resonated with me. During COVID, when everything shut down, I finally had the time and space to dig into it and started posting on Instagram. That’s when things started to take shape in a bigger way for my career when I was discovered by a small gallery in Long Beach, CA.

These days, I build each piece from scratch. I treat the canvas like a medium in itself—cutting it, pleating it, stitching it together, pulling it apart, and reassembling it. It’s very physical and process-heavy, which I love. Once the structure feels right, I stretch it over a frame and add layers of embroidery floss, embellishments, and paint, usually in a soft, monochromatic palette so the focus stays on texture and form.

My work is all about balance, between grit and grace, chaos and order. I’m drawn to the idea of taking something apart and putting it back together in a new, more beautiful way. That shows up not just in how the work looks, but in how it feels. I want people to see the details, the seams, the frays, the smoothness and feel a sense of calm or connection in that.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is simply getting to do what I love. I love creating, and when people not only like my art but also connect with it in some way, it’s incredibly fulfilling.

It’s fulfilling when someone decides to buy my work. It’s an honor that they want to bring it into their home and add it to their collection. Knowing that something I created means something to them is really special—it feels like a beautiful exchange where my work becomes part of their story too.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is that I started my art career later in life. The art world can often feel like it’s meant for younger people, with a lot of focus on early accomplishments or starting young. But for me, creativity doesn’t have an age limit. I’ve learned to embrace the fact that my unique path gives me a different perspective on my work. And, I understand that every stage of my creativity is represented in my current work. It’s important to realize that creativity can show up at any stage in life, and the experiences you’ve had along the way bring something valuable to your art in the present. I think that’s something anyone can take to heart, no matter when they start.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicoleanastas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleanastas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-anastas-b9123242/

Image Credits

Nicole Anastas