Meet Doerte Weber

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doerte Weber a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Doerte, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

For me personally – Creativity isn’t something that just happens—it’s something to be nurtured. As a weaver working with both traditional techniques and modern materials, I’ve learned that inspiration doesn’t always arrive on its own. Instead, I keep my creativity alive by committing to a routine. I make it a point to engage with my art daily, even in small ways. Some days flow effortlessly; others require more effort—but showing up is what matters.

Seeing other people’s work—whether at galleries or artist openings—fuels my creativity. Experiencing different artistic perspectives keeps my ideas fresh and challenges me to think beyond my usual approach. Engaging with the art world sparks new ways of seeing and interpreting my own work.

Reading is another essential part of my creative process. Whether it’s books on art, biographies, history, or fiction, words have a way of opening doors to new ideas. Stories, theories, and insights influence my thinking, often in ways I don’t realize until much later.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My story is one of reinvention, dedication, and innovation. I began my artistic journey later in life, mostly self-taught, and have since carved out my own space in contemporary weaving. As a structural weaver and installation artist, I blend traditional weaving techniques with modern, often unconventional materials to create pieces that speak to history, culture, and human connections.

My work explores both social and political themes, while other pieces—like my recent hospital installation—emphasize healing and community. Weaving, for me, is more than just a craft; it is a means of storytelling, using everyday materials to explore themes of place, time, and transformation. I share these ideas through teaching workshops and residencies, encouraging others to forge their own creative path with the loom and the materials at hand.

My work can be found in both private and public collections. Most recently, in August 2024, I completed a commissioned piece for the Kimpton Hotel in San Antonio, which now hangs over the bar, telling a woven story of the city itself.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Exploration Through Weaving – While grounded in a basic understanding of weaving, I embrace experimentation and learning through trial and error. This openness allows me to push the boundaries of traditional techniques, discover new ways to work with unconventional materials, and tell meaningful stories through textiles.


2. Discipline – Creativity thrives on commitment. I approach my work with dedication, maintaining a structured practice that ensures steady progress while allowing space for artistic discovery.


3. Openness to Learn and Unlearn – Growth for me as an artist requires both acquiring new knowledge and challenging old assumptions. I remain open to changing ideas, adapting to new techniques, and reconsidering established methods to refine and expand my artistic vision.


Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, it often takes me a while to recognize it. Last year, I had three large projects running nearly simultaneously, and at first, I felt a wave of panic setting in. But instead of letting it take over, I took a step back and picked up a pencil.
I made a plan. I wrote down due dates, broke down what needed to be done for each project, and allocated time and resources accordingly. Once I had a clear structure, I commited to the work without second-guessing.
Focusing on one task at a time helps me move forward with clarity and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://doerteweber.com
• Instagram: @weberdoerte
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doerte-weber-a23637134/

Image Credits

Ansen Seale