In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Audrey Montoya . Audrey Montoya is a needle felting artist whose melancholic characters are strange in all the right ways. Her affinity for childhood icons and kitsch pop culture began at an early age, but after an education in the world of fine art, her adventure into needle felting has truly crystallised her vision. This is the first part of our NeedleXChange where we explore Audrey's beginning and get a sense of what an artistic force she is. Times...
Apr 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Lesley Wood . Lesley is a British mixed media textile artist whose work connects the personal past with an unknown future. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we take a deeper look at specific (and award-winning!) pieces of Lesley's work as well as finding out some of her cultural favourites. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 Creating the Inside Out Piece 00:07:07 Appreciating Digital Shadows of Self, the Hand & Lock Prize Winning Piece 0...
Apr 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Lesley Wood . Lesley is a British mixed media textile artist whose work connects the personal past with an unknown future. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we explore how Lesley came to embroidery after a teaching career and quickly discovered her voice. Come back next week for the second part where we deep dive into some of her award winning art. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - Studying Fine Art and Starting as a Painter 00:11:28 - Bal...
Apr 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Orly Cogan . Orly Cogan is a New York-based textile artist whose embroidered fabrics contain other-worldly images of modern concepts with a dream-like twist. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we discover Orly's creative process, how she explores power dynamics in her work, as well as her favourite music/podcasts/books and a heartfelt interesting fact. Come back next week an interview with a new artist and if you enjoy NeedleXChange, a review on...
Apr 08, 2024•51 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Orly Cogan . Orly Cogan is a New York-based textile artist whose embroidered fabrics contain other-worldly images of modern concepts with a dream-like twist. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we find out how Orly came to needlework, how her work ties in with the modern art scene and we discover possibly the greatest parenting trick ever. Come back next week for the second part of our chat! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:50 Control and V...
Apr 01, 2024•40 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Kate Tume . Kate Tume, an embroidery and mixed-media artist known as Mother Eagle, creates vibrant masks that personify new Gods and draw from her interest in magic, witchcraft, and mythology. We talk about how the death of Kate's husband transformed her creative journey, and how her connection with life and nature underpins everything. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - The traditions that underpin Kate’s masks 00:12:00 - The God of Crabs 00:20:...
Mar 25, 2024•55 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of NeedleXChange we interview Kate Tume. Kate Tume, an embroidery and mixed-media artist known as Mother Eagle, creates vibrant masks that personify new Gods and draw from her interest in magic, witchcraft, and mythology. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we explore how Kate's love of needlework re-emerged in adulthood and her involvement in the 2023 Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - Katie’s entry in the Hand & Lock Embroidery Pri...
Mar 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Per Fhager . Per Fhager creates large-scale needlepoint works based on video game pixel graphics from the 80s and 90s, focusing on nostalgia and the happiness these games brought him. Per combines his love for video games with his passion for textile art, using uncommon techniques such as Gobelin stitch and long stitch. He aims to capture the details and moments from these games and make them permanent through his needlework. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - In...
Mar 11, 2024•32 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Per Fhager . Per Fhager creates large-scale needlepoint works based on video game pixel graphics from the 80s and 90s, focusing on nostalgia and the happiness these games brought him. Per combines his love for video games with his passion for textile art, using uncommon techniques such as gobelin stitch and long stitch. He aims to capture the details and moments from these games and make them permanent through his needlework. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - In...
Mar 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth Norbury . This is the second part of our conversation and we find ourselves at an interesting point in Ruth's evolution as she moves forward as an exhibiting artist. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:40 - The value of simple pleasures and fond nostalgia 00:09:10 - How Ruth finds the sweet spot in her creative process 00:13:40 - An unusual naming strategy. 00:17:40 - Overcoming the fear of sharing your art 00:23:40 - Favourite Band 00:27:35 - Fav...
Feb 26, 2024•44 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Ruth Norbury . Ruth discusses her journey from cross stitch to grungy embroidery and the creation of her Gothic Decay pieces. She shares her passion for embroidery and the challenges she faced in finding her unique style. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:40 - The start of Ruth’s stitching journey 00:10:15 - What Ruth loves about embroidery 00:18:40 - The deconstruction part of Ruth’s process 00:23:00 - The construction part of Ruth’s process 00:28:0...
Feb 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Julie Heaton . Julie Heaton is a Bristol-based machine embroidery artist whose incredible illustrations are borne from tragedy. When her husband ended his own life in 2009, it sparked a creative journey that continues to this day and in this second part of our conversation we talk about how her experience at the Royal College of Art helped her process her experience and turn a creative corner. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:24 - Childhood influenc...
Feb 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Julie Heaton . Julie Heaton is a Bristol-based machine embroidery artist whose incredible illustrations are borne from tragedy. When her husband ended his own life in 2009, it sparked a creative journey that continues to this day and in this first part of our conversation we talk about the impact of the suicide among other things. It's an emotional conversation but Julie's perspective is invaluable. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:25 - Julie Heaton...
Feb 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Elizabeth Reese , Associate Manager of Marketing at Woodlawn & Pope Leighey House which is home to America's longest running needlework competition. Woodlawn is a unique historic site connected to George Washington and features both a federal-style mansion and a Frank Lloyd Wright house. The Needlework Show, which is in its 61st year, invites needleworkers from all over the country and internationally to submit their work for display and judging. ...
Jan 29, 2024•52 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Stephanie Matthiesen Avilés , aka Fine Frog Stitching. Steph is a cross stitch designer who is quickly gaining renown for her design aesthetic that combines deft use of colour with leftfield subject matter. In this second part of our interview, we nerd out about coffee, discover a shared love of Odesza and find out a fact that not that many people know! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:28 - Believe in the process 00:04:08 - Steph’s favourite social ...
Jan 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Stephanie Matthiesen Avilés , aka Fine Frog Stitching. Steph is a cross stitch designer who is quickly gaining renown for her design aesthetic that combines deft use of colour with leftfield subject matter. In this first part of our interview, we learn Steph's journey to being a cross stitch designer, her creative background and some valuable lessons in colour theory. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:52 - Steph’s homeland 00:05:22 - The story of Fin...
Jan 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 22
Your NeedleXChange host, Jamie Chalmers, reflects on the show and shares news about what's in store for 2024. In this episode of NeedleXChange we interview [artist name]. [Succinct description of artist] Timestamps: 00:00:12 - Intro Links: Website: https://www.mrxstitch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrxstitch/ About NeedleXChange: NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, ...
Jan 02, 2024•11 min•Ep. 21
This episode of NeedleXChange is the second part of my interview with Dr. Isabella Rosner . Isabella is a needlework historian, Curator at the Royal School of Needlework and the host of the Sew What? podcast. We have a fantastic conversation and I absolutely love Isabella's combination of Los Angeles attitude and thorough passion for historical needlework. She is the Yin to my Yang. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - “Stitching is just for women”. Discuss. 00:17:00 - Needlework as a method ...
Dec 25, 2023•42 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Dr. Isabella Rosner . Isabella is a needlework historian, Curator at the Royal School of Needlework and the host of the Sew What? podcast. We have a fantastic conversation and I absolutely love Isabella's combination of Los Angeles attitude and thorough passion for historical needlework. She is the Yin to my Yang. Image is a casket made by Elizabeth Hall in 1683 that housed her collection of needlework. Image credit is Witney Antiques . Timestamps: 00...
Dec 18, 2023•38 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chrissie Juno Mann . Chrissie is a world-class embroiderer and tutor, having graduated from the Royal School of Needlework, and in this second part of our NeedleXChange we have a terrific talk about needlework types, newsletters and the most controversial topic of all - what the back of your work should look like..! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - Chrissie’s incredible post University adventures 00:17:36 - Chrissie’s favourite needlework types...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 18
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chrissie Juno Mann . Chrissie is a world-class embroiderer and tutor, having graduated from the Royal School of Needlework, and in our NeedleXChange we have a terrific talk about finding creative/work balance, why traditional needlework is still important and that interesting point where a new idea comes creeping into your brain. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - How Chrissie runs her online embroidery classes 00:05:48 - Chrissie’s prize winning...
Dec 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 17
This episode of NeedleXChange is the second part of my interview with Manya Goldman . Manya is a needlepoint artist whose stitched snapshots capture moments of her personal history with intentional intimacy. We have a great conversation about, among other things, how Manya composes her pieces and how they evolve as she makes them.. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:29 - The evolution of Manya’s needlework pieces and relationship with them 00:06:59 - Wisdom from Manya’s experience as an art lect...
Nov 27, 2023•31 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Manya Goldman . Manya is a needlepoint artist whose stitched snapshots capture moments of her personal history with intentional intimacy. We have a great conversation about her process and how her academic career as an art teacher and psychotherapist brought her to this recent renaissance. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:45 - Manya’s success in The Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize 00:16:50 - How Manya describes her work 00:23:00 - The Stre...
Nov 20, 2023•38 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Sally Wilson . Sally Wilson is a UK-based Mixed Media artist whose work has to be seen to be believed. Her background in sculpture and years as an art teacher underpin her creative output, which is diverse and exciting, Sally's life was transformed after a head injury which has fundamentally altered how she thinks, but her artwork evolved with these changes and her Royal Cloak art piece won third place in The Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize ...
Nov 13, 2023•45 min•Ep. 14
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Sally Wilson . Sally Wilson is a UK-based Mixed Media artist whose work has to be seen to be believed. Her background in sculpture and years as an art teacher underpin her creative output, which is diverse and exciting, Sally's life was transformed after a head injury which has fundamentally altered how she thinks, but her artwork evolved with these changes and her Royal Cloak art piece won third place in The Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize ...
Nov 05, 2023•36 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview John Thomas Paradiso . John Thomas Paradiso is a Washington-based artist who has been exploring the intimacy of gay culture through needlework for over 30 years. Using hand embroidered quilting techniques, working on surfaces including leather and suede, and using traditional materials like doilies to mask the graphic parts of his subjects, John’s work treads the line between pornography and personal portraiture. His art is unapologetic in its opennes...
Oct 30, 2023•40 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview John Thomas Paradiso . John Thomas Paradiso is a Washington-based artist who has been exploring the intimacy of gay culture through needlework for over 30 years. Using hand embroidered quilting techniques, working on surfaces including leather and suede, and using traditional materials like doilies to mask the graphic parts of his subjects, John’s work treads the line between pornography and personal portraiture. His art is unapologetic in its opennes...
Oct 23, 2023•33 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Niki McDonald . Niki McDonald, also known as TapestryGirl, is an Australian needlework artist whose urban pop art portraits use modern street art styles to tell stories of iconic characters she has created. In this second part of our interview, we talk about how Niki’s work fits within the art ecosystem, her local art scene in Sydney, and she shares a regal fact about a previous job that you’re going to love. Timestamps: 00:01:10 - How Niki manages pr...
Oct 16, 2023•58 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Niki McDonald . Niki McDonald, also known as TapestryGirl, is an Australian needlework artist whose urban pop art portraits use modern street art styles to tell stories of iconic characters she has created. In this first part of our interview we talk about how Niki juggles the artistic path while also working in special needs education and being a modern mother. Timestamps: 00:01:11 - Niki’s day job and the value of hands-on activities for mental heal...
Oct 06, 2023•30 min•Ep. 9
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Meredith Woolnough . Meredith Woolnough is an Australian machine embroidery artist whose organic creations are instantly recognisable and simply stunning. Meredith’s art pieces are celebration of the beauty of nature and at the same time, a technical marvel. We talk about her passion for science and nature, the pleasure she gets from teaching, and how her work is much like darning. Timestamps: 00:00:15 - Start 00:03:30 - How her artistic journey began...
Sep 22, 2023•54 min•Ep. 8
