What does it look like to build a creative practice from a tiny island in the Chesapeake Bay? And how can structured study help transform that journey?
In this episode of Textile Talk, we’re joined by American textile artist Holly Jackson, whose richly layered mixed media work draws on narrative, place, and texture. Living and working in a historic fisherman’s cottage, Holly combines traditional stumpwork techniques with contemporary storytelling, creating pieces that feel both deeply personal and visually striking.
Having completed our City & Guilds Stumpwork course, Holly is now progressing through the Master Practitioner programme. Offering a unique perspective on studying textiles from the United States, where structured, accredited pathways like this are far less common.
In this conversation, Holly shares how her creative journey began in an unexpected way, how formal study helped her find her artistic voice, and why understanding why you make your work can be just as important as how you make it.
Textile Talk with Holly Jackson
Listen to the episode on your favourite podcast platform or click the link below to listen now.
Who is Holly Jackson?
Holly Jackson is a mixed media textile artist based on a small island community in the Chesapeake Bay. Her work explores themes of memory, lost places, and storytelling through stitch, often combining traditional embroidery techniques with experimental materials and layered construction.
Despite coming to embroidery later in life, and with no formal art background, Holly has developed a confident and distinctive practice. She exhibits across the east coast of the United States and contributes to a growing conversation around contemporary textile art.
From Hobby to Professional Practice
One of the most compelling parts of Holly’s story is how her creative journey began. Not as a lifelong artist, but as someone simply looking for a way to manage insomnia.
What started as a small, practical step quickly evolved into a deep creative passion. Over time, Holly moved from following kits and learning techniques to asking a much bigger question:
How do I turn this into something of my own?
In this episode, we explore:
- The transition from hobbyist to practising artist
- The challenges of designing original work without a traditional art background
- Why many textile artists struggle to take that next step
Studying Textiles from the USA: A Different Perspective
Holly offers a fascinating insight into what it means to study textiles from outside the UK — particularly in the United States, where embroidery doesn’t always carry the same cultural context or recognition.
She shares:
- Why City & Guilds was completely new to her as an American student
- How accredited, flexible study provided an alternative to expensive art school routes
- The realities of exhibiting and selling textile work in a market that doesn’t always understand it
This perspective is incredibly valuable for international students considering studying with SofST.
Finding Your Creative Voice Through Structured Study
A key theme throughout this episode is confidence. The focus is never solely on technique, but in identity as an artist.
Holly talks openly about:
- Learning to understand why she creates her work
- Developing a recognisable style and artistic voice
- Gaining the confidence to talk about and sell her work
One of the most powerful takeaways is how structured learning encourages artists to reflect, document, and think more deeply, which is something many creatives don’t naturally make time for.
From Coursework to Sellable Art
Perhaps one of the most surprising outcomes Holly shares is how her coursework evolved into commercially viable pieces. Without initially intending to create work for sale, she found that:
- Her portfolio pieces were exhibition-ready
- Her work sold successfully in shows
- She was able to refine complex pieces into more commercially viable designs
It’s a powerful reminder that learning and professional practice don’t have to be separate — they can grow together.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
- Mixed media textile art and contemporary stitc
- Stumpwork and experimental embroidery techniques
- Studying City & Guilds textiles from the USA
- Developing creative confidence and artistic identity
- From embroidery kits to original design
- Selling textile art and exhibiting work
- The role of documentation and process in creative practice
- Master Practitioner programme insights
Links
Listen to the full interview here.
Visit Holly’s Website: flossinginthemoonlight.com
Follow her on Instagram: @flossinginthemoonlight
View our City & Guilds accredited Textile Art Courses
Explore our Master Practitioner Courses
