You still have two weeks to submit your work into the NASA and Etsy Space Craft Contest, and to help keep you on track, we asked astronaut Karen Nyberg about her own inspiration and creativity. Karen is a mission specialist, which means she has an engineering background — unlike pilots, who have military experience. She flew on board the space shuttle Discovery in 2008 on a mission to the international space station, and is currently training to do a long duration space flight. Interviewing Karen straight from our office supply closet, I could only have felt more authentic if the shuttle’s controls were in my own hands.
What was going into space like? Was it everything you expected?
It was actually better than I expected. It was only 14 days, so it was busy and we had a lot of work to do, but it was incredible. Weightlessness is really neat, and the view of earth is incredible. Pictures don’t do it justice.
You’ve worked on patents. What’s the design process like for NASA technology and tools?
The neat thing is that the environment we design for is so unique. Obviously without gravity, things just don’t work the same. Every piece of equipment that you use on earth in some way relies on gravity. I’m looking at my telephone on the desk. Well, I hang the phone up, and the headset sits on the phone because there’s gravity. It’s simple things, but the sink in your kitchen works because there’s gravity. Every single thing that is designed for the space shuttle or space station has to work without gravity. That’s unique and it takes a lot of creativity to figure out how to make that work. Plus, since we’re launching all this stuff into space and it’s expensive to launch heavy things, you want to make what you design as lightweight as possible and that’s another challenge.
How do you prepare for that?
Most of the people who work here at NASA and do that type of design have engineering backgrounds, and you learn in engineering to come up with fresh ideas. A lot of it comes from trying a design and if it doesn’t work, then you start again, and keep trying until you come up with something that works.
Prehistoric Planet by paulandkatestudio
I hear you like to sew, draw, and paint in your free time. What sort of projects do you enjoy?
Recently I’ve been sewing more than anything. I really enjoy quilting and appliquéing. I used to love doing portrait drawings in pencil and charcoal, and hopefully when I have more time, I can pick that back up again.
Have you found any parallels in your hobbies and your job?
I’m not so good at abstract art, and I think that has something to do with my engineering mind. There’s a correct way, and an incorrect way. When I draw and paint, I can only do it if I make it as realistic as possible.
What are you most inspired by?
When I work on projects at home, it’s a gift for somebody. Whoever I’m making it for is really where the inspiration comes from. I’ll look at their interests and what colors they like, and come up with a quilt design or idea accordingly. I’m inspired by giving something to somebody.
Warp Speed Through the Worm Hole by CynthiaArtGallery
If you were to submit a piece to the Etsy and NASA Space Craft Contest, what would it be?
I would love to work on a quilt that incorporates what I’ve seen in space and my experiences. I also like the idea of doing crew portrait drawings!
Thanks to Karen for sharing her story with us. Are you inspired by space when you create? Share in the comments below!
More Information About the Space Craft Contest | Art From Outer Space
96 comments
Sign in to add your ownMclovebuddy says:
her outfit is so amazing and it's practical for work. ... thinking of things to make for this. :D
1 year ago
CountryChicCottage says:
WOW! I too have an engineering background and I find this so interesting! I love that she sews!! A woman after my own heart!!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
incredible pictures and a great article, thank you.
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
FANTASTIC ATR!
1 year ago
sewnewthings says:
AMAZING!!!
1 year ago
MouseKitten says:
what an inspiration!
1 year ago
Radness says:
Karen is like a crystal, so multi-faceted! A cosmic quilt would be awesome:)
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Interesting space stuff. I'm hoping to catch the next shuttle launch.
1 year ago
OhDearWatson says:
fun stuff
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
Absolutely amazing!
1 year ago
jollyfish says:
I would love to see earth from that view!
1 year ago
LaurelDChristian says:
Amazing pics. I love, love, love them.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Far out. Thanks for the interview. Interesting and inspiring.
1 year ago
GloryBDesign says:
Seeing the Earth from space would be the most awesome experience ever!
1 year ago
coreythegirl says:
how cool!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Amazing again !
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Prehistoric Planet is wonderful !
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I'd love to submit a bowl that had a beautiful glaze that captured the stars! It must be amazing being an astronaut!
1 year ago
RetroEyewear says:
how great!1 love it!
1 year ago
sacredsuds says:
What a fantastic interview! This NASA contest has really been thought-provoking for me over the past few days. It has reignited my interest in space and has made me revisit the inspiration behind some of my soaps - goddesses whose names are still hinted at in our names of the heavenly bodies - Astarte (star), Venus, Luna. I love that we know so much now about our universe, especially compared to what the ancients knew when they looked to the night sky, and that that knowledge only deepens its beauty and magic to me. Thanks a lot for making me think ;-P
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
Real nice pics, thanx for all the info...............
1 year ago
choisette says:
that spacesuit could use some accessorizing.
1 year ago
andrea0503 says:
Great! Unfortunately, I'm not in USA :(
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
AWSOME thanks for sharing
1 year ago
aynart says:
outstanding color and detail!!!!
1 year ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
If you make that space quilt Karen, I hope you'll post some pictures, I'd love to see it!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article!
1 year ago
Asianexpressions says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
IlluminatedPerfume says:
Wow, what an amazing opportunity to travel into space! Great article, thank you.
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
My hero...working on my space entry today. Waving to "who ever" is out there!
1 year ago
craftpile says:
Cool beans.
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great interview !!!! Thank you for sharing
1 year ago
turskaj says:
great article! Im jealous about her job:D
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Inspiring colors in the first painting and the sculpture!
1 year ago
SewItsCustom says:
I think it is very intriguing that an astronaut loves to quilt and sew... The artwork in this article is fantastic!!! Rachel
1 year ago
HeronsTreasures says:
Interesting article and beautiful painting by Egilpatr !!
1 year ago
VitalTemptation says:
Amazing story!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
An astronaut? And a crafty one at that - kick ass!
1 year ago
Egilpatr says:
I am quite upset, because you used my painting of the Eagle Nebula to lead this article without crediting it or achnowledging that it is a painting. It is not a photo..it is a photo of my original painting!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
TerryAskeArtQuilts says:
What an interesting and inspiring interview! I love that Karen is a quilter, too. I would love to submit an art quilt for this contest, but do not live in the US, so cannot enter.
1 year ago
bohemianrag says:
Wow... Karen is a true inspirational American woman. A quilt & fine artist too! Interesting to hear about life without gravity! Jr. Cat ..says Purrr. =)
1 year ago
ourfrontyard says:
I would love to see her quilt! Inspiring!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
So cool! I love that Karen enjoys crafts and artwork when she's not orbiting in space! I'd love to see what she would come up with for the contest!
1 year ago
CynthiaCoolBeans says:
Thanks for featuring my "Warp Speed Through the Worm Hole by CynthiaArtGallery" in this feature article. I love space and the Universe and all its wonders.
1 year ago
Bluestarfire says:
Great article, so happy Etsy is doing a "space craft" contest. Hope I have something to contribute to this unique contest in time before the deadline !
1 year ago
jennibram says:
Karen, Michelle, thanks heaps - love this. Wonderful reading. What a buzz, reading about Karen's thoughts and experiences of space. Engineers: creative, original, incisive, brilliant people. Art by engineers: yum yum.
1 year ago
ReDFindz says:
Very Inspiring. Thanks.
1 year ago
VIZArt says:
Three wonderful items are they the winners of the contest?
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
A great story and very inspirational!
1 year ago
birchbeerboutique says:
so jealous. ;) working in space ~ what a dream! thank you karen for sharing a bit of your process. that is indeed inspiring.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Wonderful interview, definitely having my teenage grandkids read it. Funny thing, as a kid I was obsessed with drawing and painting space, planets, stars, the sky...
1 year ago
rawartletterpress says:
wow!
1 year ago
katrinshine says:
Great interview!
1 year ago
kskjewelrydesigns says:
So interesting, thanks for this! I'm w/ girltuesday, I'd love to see what Karen would come up w/ for the contest. Someone who's actually been out there, amazing!!
1 year ago
pasinwedding says:
So amazing, fantastic art Great article
1 year ago
herd says:
I'm going to be an astronaut in my next life!!
1 year ago
SepiaSmiles says:
i want to go into space :(
1 year ago
BPvintage says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
FollowThumbelina says:
This was a most interesting and inspiring interview. Thank you!
1 year ago
tigerluxe says:
i love tumblr...and just followed you! here's mine: http://numbereight.tumblr.com
1 year ago
BlackDaisyDesigns says:
WOW!!! When I was 6 years old - all I wanted to be was an astronaut. Or a tap dancer. LOL Great interview.
1 year ago
lepetitreve says:
SO inspiring....from the pictures to he interview.
1 year ago
susissatchels says:
Just proves there is a creative soul buried within us all. I am currently nurturing the other side of my brain after spending most of my life as bean counter.
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
One of the most awesome Etsy interviews I've read. Thanks!
1 year ago
Becky01834 says:
amazing!
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderful article!
1 year ago
GemsByJoy says:
I love the artwork on this page!
1 year ago
RPotterStudio says:
Really REALLY liked this one!
1 year ago
ginacrg says:
This was a great interview. I have loved space since high school (we won't say how long ago, but think 1st men on the moon timeframe!). I enjoyed this so much, to see Earth from space, could there be anything more beautiful? Thank you for the interview & to Karen Nyberg for her outlook. Not only on space, but creativity as well.
1 year ago
veganosaurus says:
Wow!! This is the cooolest, awesomest interview on Etsy thus far! :)
1 year ago
shizendesigns says:
Great story!
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
Great article, very interesting! ;)
1 year ago
greenappleworks says:
Thank you for this great article.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Omg a real live astronaut! So cool!
1 year ago
VivaVoceVintage says:
LOVE those pictures!
1 year ago
TheBearAffair says:
"Karen is a mission specialist, which means she has an engineering background — unlike pilots, who have military experience".......Of course the pilots also have an engineering background, how else would they be able to make heads or tails of the job they are tasked to do. Other than that statement this is a wonderful article and Karen is certainly multi talented and an inspiration to all.
1 year ago
sciencecrush says:
That bare wrist could use a sciencecrush bracelet!!!
1 year ago
goodlines says:
I love that a kid might get a quilt from her astronaut aunt for Christmas, or a person could say, Oh that portrait, my astronaut sister did that. We are all so incredible and talented in so many ways. I love it when creation flows in every direction.
1 year ago
Blushie says:
This was such an interesting read! I've really been enjoying all the entries and discussions that have come into being thanks to the NASA contest- inspiring!
1 year ago
kstdesigns says:
This is very cool to do a joint contest with Etsy and NASA! I am enjoying looking at all the entries. The article is great too - so many astronauts, and engineers and scientists, have an artistic side too. Engineering is just another form of creativity, really. I'm disappointed I'm not eligible to enter though, being an immediate family member of a NASA employee....
1 year ago
art4ear says:
Love the Warp speed art work! I think that space suit could be decorated with some jewels.
1 year ago
jargonhead says:
Thanks for this great interview! I am almost finished with my entry, and can't wait to submit it!
1 year ago
steampunkaddick says:
THE WEIGHTLESSNESS OF CREATIVITY IS SO AWESOME...TOTally enjoyed this article
1 year ago
vart09 says:
A great story and very inspirational!
1 year ago
vart09 says:
A great story and very inspirational!
1 year ago
BlackRoosterVintage says:
Fascinating. Truly. Thanks for bringing it to etsy.
1 year ago
AlissaRose says:
WOW. Space seriously blows my mind.
1 year ago
andreaesdesign says:
I think this is a great idea :) We are all scurrying.....
1 year ago
Steampunkitis says:
Great Story. Ah, a kindred Spirit you are, Karen. My dad was an electrical engineer, who worked on rockets,(the Manhatten Project, back in the 40's), and my mom was an artist, so math and portraiture came naturally to me. I never really tried to go too far with either tho. You are my hero. To imagine traveling into space and looking down at this small blue planet, how awsome that must have been. Thank you for sharing with us.
1 year ago
JanesGemCreations says:
Eleanor, Your work is too awsome for words,(makes me want to paint again.)Thank you for sharing. I never would have found your store, if not for your blog.
1 year ago
StudioCherie says:
Wonderful interview.
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
as a child my daughter was able to study and visit with aerospace employees. I still have autographs on pictures she kept this is a wonderful article
1 year ago
hrblexpressions says:
Wow what an inspiration!
1 year ago
smellyrhino says:
Great article. She is so down to Earth! LOL. I love astronauts!
1 year ago
artzygirl7 says:
Wow Karen. What an experience. I was so captivated by your image, that even with my busy day today, I could not advance beyond your image and title. Creativity is a weightless experience for me, most of the time. You have inspired me to get back into my creative capsule and blastoff! We all need a shot in the arm sometime and this article just did that for me. Thank you.
1 year ago
Egilpatr says:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6694096&page=1
1 year ago