NeedleXChange

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 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

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 first part of our NeedleXChange we find out how Pete became involved in the world of digitised machine embroidery and then we focus on a major project that he undertook last year - The Anointing Screen for the Coronation of King Charles III. Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2 of our NeedleXChange and if you want more machine stitched inspiration then my XChange with Meredith Woolnough is a must-listen!Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:20 - The Hackney Dave Project: A Creative Collaboration00:06:24 - The Art and Science of Embroidery00:09:24 - Sustainable Practices in Textile Design00:15:31 - Pete Tarrant's Journey into Embroidery00:21:32 - Working on the Anointing Screen for the King00:33:13 - The Technical Aspects of Large-Scale EmbroideryLinks: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

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Diane Meyer.Diane Meyer is an embroidery artist whose cross stitched work obfuscates the present to explore the past. She cross stitches on photographic images of places and people, obscuring parts of them to reveal presentations of the past with precision and perplexity.This is the second part of our NeedleXChange where we find out how about Diane's forthcoming exhibition and how she revisits older work. We talk about her affection for Berlin and we hit her cultural touchpoints as usual. Be sure to check out Diane's work using the links below!Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 – Recreating The Berlin Work and the Meditative Quality of Stitching00:06:49 – The Fascination with Berlin and the Fall of the Wall00:16:44 – Exploring History and Place through Art00:16:46 – Favorite Bands, Albums, Films, TV Shows, and Books00:35:52 – An interesting fact not many people know about Diane MeyerLinks:Website: dianemeyer.netInstagram: dianemeyerstudioIntro music is Purple, Pink and Orange by OTE 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/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