NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Salley Mavor.Salley Mavor is a mixed media artist whose folk-art inspired vignettes tell stories of light and dark. This is the second part of our NeedleXChange and we discuss how Salley's more political work taught her the power of social media for better or worse, We also find out more about the world of miniatures and we find out about Salley's favourite music, books and all that good stuff!If you like creative world-builders, you will love our episodes with Audrey Montoya!Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:02:04 - Art as a Response to Political Climate00:07:00 - Empowerment Through Artistic Expression00:10:39 - Inspiring Others Through Art00:13:01 - The Artistic Journey and Teaching00:14:33 - Art in Everyday Life00:16:03 - Cultural Influences and Music00:18:31 - Literary Inspirations and Writing Process00:21:01 - Miniatures and Playfulness in Art00:24:27 - Future Projects and Artistic GrowthLinks:Website: weefolkstudio.comInstagram: salleymavorIntro music is Peruvian Grass by Wanderer's Trove via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Salley Mavor.Salley Mavor is a mixed media artist whose folk-art inspired vignettes tell stories of light and dark. This is the first part of our NeedleXChange and we find out how Salley's artistic process began when she was young and has stayed strong ever since, and the way in which she creates her mixed media worlds. We also explore the world of children's book illustration, something that Salley has been involved in for over a decade.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:02:14 - Welcome to Sally's World00:08:07 - Artistic Evolution and Self-Discovery00:11:14 - The Role of Childhood in Creativity00:14:07 - Finding Freedom in Art00:17:19 - The Unique Voice of an Artist00:20:11 - Balancing Art and Life00:23:15 - The Language of Stitching00:26:16 - Emotional Storytelling in Art00:29:05 - Navigating Joy and Darkness in Art00:34:25 - The Balance of Creativity and Execution00:39:31 - Navigating the Challenges of Artistic Process00:43:55 - The Role of Uncertainty in ArtLinks:Website: weefolkstudio.comInstagram: salleymavorIntro music is Peruvian Grass by Wanderer's Trove via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Melissa Zexter.Melissa Zexter is a Brooklyn-based artist whose embroidered photographs explore memory and meaning. This is the second part of our NeedleXChange and we explore tips for stitching on paper, embracing mistakes and we explore Melissa's cultural favourites. Plus, we get a bit spooky, but I've said too much!.If you like Melissa's art, you'll love my NeedleXChange with Diane Meyer.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 - Exploring New Directions in Art00:03:38 - Tips for Stitching on Paper and Embracing Mistakes00:10:15 - The Role of Music in Artistic Creation00:15:48 - Creative Journeys and Commercial Work00:18:51 - Artistic Expression and Public Engagement00:20:45 - Literary Influences and Personal Favourites00:26:04 - The Balance of Life and Creativity00:30:45 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Melissa ZexterLinks:Website: melissazexter.comInstagram: melissazexterIntro music is The Harbor by Kylie Dailey via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Melissa Zexter.Melissa Zexter is a Brooklyn-based artist whose embroidered photographs explore memory and meaning. This is the first part of our NeedleXChange and we discuss how Melissa's embroidery technique evolved and the value of analogue photography in a digital world, among other things.If you like Melissa's art, you'll love my NeedleXChange with Diane Meyer.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 - The Intersection of Photography and Textile Art00:13:51 - The Role of Personal Connection in Art00:16:50 - Intuition and Experimentation00:25:57 - The Emotional Palette of Art00:28:51 - Integrating Text and Images00:33:28 - Guilty Pleasures and Creative Processes00:34:39 - The Intersection of Photography and Portraiture00:38:30 - The Evolution of Photography00:41:10 - Teaching Photography: Bridging Technical Skills and Personal ExpressionLinks:Website: melissazexter.comInstagram: melissazexterIntro music is The Harbor by Kylie Dailey via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Peter Frederiksen.Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we talk about the craft of old school animation, the joys of living in Chicago and why Peter's titles are in important part of his work. Oh, and he confesses a secret that you'll want to listen to the end for!If you like machine embroidery, then be sure to check out Julie Heaton's episode.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 - The Formulaic Nature of Cartoons00:03:06 - Open-Ended Narratives in Art00:05:09 - The Impact of Chicago on Artistic Expression00:13:45 - The Importance of Titles in Art00:20:03 - Reflections on Furniture and Emotional Spaces00:24:45 - Peter’s Favourite Band00:31:09 - Peter’s Favourite Films00:37:46 - Literary Preferences and Influential Books00:43:15 - A fact (or two) that not many people know about Peter FrederiksenLinks:Website: pefrederiksen.comInstagram: pefrederiksenIntro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Peter Frederiksen.Peter Frederiksen is a Chicago-based artist whose machine embroidered cartoon vignettes are filled with tension and dark humour. In this first part of our NeedleXChange we talk about how this particular combination of form and content has become Peter's signature style and how he shines a light on a culture we take for granted. If you like machine embroidery, then be sure to check out Julie Heaton's episode.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 - Exploring Motion and Action in Art00:07:59 - The Evolution of Peter's Artistic Style00:10:58 - The Journey into Stitching and Embroidery00:13:58 - Early Experiences and Influences in Art00:17:08 - The Shift to Machine Embroidery00:19:55 - Themes of Violence and Nostalgia in Animation00:34:34 - Exploring the Humour in Classic Cartoons00:38:12 - The Evolution of Animation StylesLinks:Website: pefrederiksen.comInstagram: pefrederiksenIntro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Michelle Kingdom.Michelle is a Californian embroidery artist whose wistful work delivers dark delight. Her work is instantly recognisable with its nostalgic style delivering gothic undertones with effortless class. This is the second part of our NeedleXChange and we discover the meaning of plants in Michelle's work, talk about her recent decision to do a portrait piece and explore her favourite cultural touchpoints. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:00 – Exploring Botanical Inspirations00:05:00 – Reflections on 70s Pop Culture00:09:05 – The Challenge of Self-Portraiture00:13:00 – Art and Literature: A Symbiotic Relationship00:19:05 – Michelle's favourite music and podcasts00:26:00 – Michelle's favourite book00:28:00 - Michelle's favourite film00:31:10 – A fact that not many people know about Michelle KingdomLinks:Website: michellekingdom.comInstagram: michelle.kingdomIntro music is Dharma by Blood Red Sun via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Michelle Kingdom.Michelle is a Californian embroidery artist whose wistful work delivers dark delight. Her work is instantly recognisable with its nostalgic style delivering gothic undertones with effortless class. This is the first part of our NeedleXChange and we discover how Michelle came to make and share her art, how she makes her vignettes and her approach to storytelling.Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction00:04:58 – Michelle's Artistic Journey and Early Influences00:08:02 – The Evolution of Stitching Techniques00:10:57 – The Creative Process and Idea Development00:14:05 – Symbolism and Themes in Artwork00:17:02 – Reflections on Art and Society00:20:04 – Personal Connections and Recurring Characters00:23:01 – The Role of Nature in Art00:26:02 – Conclusion and Future Directions00:41:58 – The Power of Interpretation in ArtLinks:Website: michellekingdom.comInstagram: michelle.kingdomIntro music is Dharma by Blood Red Sun via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Pete Tarrant.Pete is a digitised embroidery specialist, teacher and advocator for this emerging craft form. In this second part of our NeedleXChange we dig into the digitizing technique and how it has evolved as a craft form, as well as exploring Pete's cultural touchpoints. If you want more machine stitched inspiration then my XChange with Julie Heaton is worth a listen!Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:54 - The Future of Digital Embroidery00:07:58 - Understanding Vector-Based Software in Embroidery00:10:36 - Exploring the Boundaries of Fabric and Design00:16:35 - Choosing the Right Tools for Beginners00:20:08 - Inspiring Digitising Artists in the Industry00:24:42 - The Future of Digital Embroidery00:30:37 - Favourite Band, Books and Films00:37:54 - A Fact that not many people know about Pete TarrantLinks:Website: digitek.me.ukInstagram: digitekembroideryIntro music is Too Many Dogs by Daniel Fridell via Epidemic SoundAbout NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers