NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Martha Hussey.We talk fresh off the heels of Martha’s solo show in London and discuss DIY curation as well as Royal Academy highs and near-misses, Martha talks textiles’ growing place in contemporary art and why she’s already sketching the next body of work. We also hit the soundtracks, the films, the books, and the beauty in the mundane that fuels her studio.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - The Challenges of Curating an Exhibition00:06:46 - The Royal Academy Experience00:09:39 - The Growing Presence of Textile Arts00:12:10 - Creativity and the Artistic Process00:14:49 - Humor and Reflection in Art00:16:45 - The Soundtrack of Creativity00:20:42 - Visual Inspirations: TV and Film00:21:33 - Cinematic Influences on Art00:25:37 - Literary Inspirations and Reflections00:29:10 - The Mundane as Art00:32:08 - Personal Insights and VulnerabilitiesLinks:Website: marthahussey.comInstagram: marthahusseystudioIntro music is I Been All Alone by Dev Do It 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: needl.exchangeSign 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: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Martha Hussey.Martha trained in fine art at St Martin’s and later dove into an art-therapy diploma during lockdown, discovering how stitch can quiet the mind and surface truth. In this first half we get into the meditative mechanics of embroidery, why the back of the work matters as much as the front, and how humour and the “Sexy Stitch” series emerged alongside tufted wall pieces and hairy latch-hook portraits. We also trace the evolution from painting to thread palettes and that pivotal “do something creative for 15 minutes a day” moment that reignited her practice.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - The Journey into Art Therapy00:09:47 - The Role of Humor in Art00:12:32 - The Evolution of Artistic Expression00:15:25 - The Significance of the Back of the Work00:28:45 - Art as a Reflection of Society00:31:03 - The Boldness of Artistic Expression00:33:14 - Navigating the Art World: From Gallery to Solo ShowLinks:Website: marthahussey.comInstagram: marthahusseystudioIntro music is I Been All Alone by Dev Do It 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: needl.exchangeSign 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: mrxstitch.com If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Loren Batt.Loren is an American-born artist who’s made France home for decades. In this first half, we trace her path from linguistics and art history into printmaking, then the leap into layered, tapestry-like paintings and quilted figures inspired by guild traditions, street life in New York, and medieval folk energy.In Part 2 we dive into Loren’s themed series: ex-voto boxes - small wishes hung en masse, guardian angels that gently hold everyday burdens like insomnia or being unheard and Sailing to a Better Place born from a need for hope We also cover collaborations in a troglodyte château, future animation dreams, and why playful aesthetics can carry real social weight without confrontation.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 – Art as a Reflection of Society00:05:47 – The Itch to Create: Artistic Process and Inspiration00:13:00 – Rediscovering Artistic Passions00:18:46 – Interdisciplinary Collaborations in Art00:21:00 – Creating Unique Installations00:23:17 – The Role of Music and Theatre in Art00:24:18 – Musical Influences on Creative Work00:29:29 – Literary Inspirations00:30:57 – The Impact of Visual Storytelling00:34:59 – The Importance of Personal CollectionsLinks:Website: lorenbatt.comInstagram: lorenbattIntro music is Afternoon by Ennio Máno 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: needl.exchangeSign 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: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Loren Batt.Loren is an American-born artist who’s made France home for decades. In this first half, we trace her path from linguistics and art history into printmaking, then the leap into layered, tapestry-like paintings and quilted figures inspired by guild traditions, street life in New York, and medieval folk energy.We talk bilingual identity, raising globally mobile kids, and the moment canvas stopped being “invisible” support and became living textile - complete with stitched frames and characters stepping out into relief.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:06:57 – Identity and Assimilation in a Globalized World00:09:38 – Language, Bilingualism, and Cultural Flexibility00:12:15 – The Artistic Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Reality00:15:03 – Exploring the Influence of Art History00:20:06 – The Intersection of Textiles and Art00:31:01 – Exploring the Intersection of Fabric and Art00:34:27 – Childhood Inspirations and Artistic Foundations00:38:26 – The Potential of Animation in Art00:42:12 – Themes of Connection and Humanity00:45:54 – Guardian Angels and Whimsical Commentary00:49:09 – The Role of Objects in Human ConnectionLinks:Website: lorenbatt.comInstagram: lorenbattIntro music is Afternoon by Ennio Máno 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: needl.exchangeSign 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: mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need! Find out more here: xstitchmag.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Chloe Savage.Chloe is a conservation embroiderer, couture specialist, and educator whose studio practice spans everything from National Trust restorations to hands-on needlepoint kits.In this second half of our conversation, we trace Chloe's creative upbringing through diamond mines, Paris couture, and the Royal School of Needlework.She unpacks how life detours—from teen motherhood to science teaching—ultimately fueled her practice and how art became a lifeline through grief. Please note this episode briefly touches on emotional abuse.Another artist who processed personal trauma through artistic practice is the wonderful machine embroiderer Julie Heaton. We had a NeedleXChange way back in episodes 25 & 26.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:30 - Conservation Stories and Experiences00:06:52 - Art as a Reflection of Personal Struggles00:15:33 - The Journey of Healing and Empowerment00:18:50 - Future Directions in Textile Art00:22:59 - Embracing Creative Freedom00:24:03 - The Role of Education in Artistic Expression00:27:04 - The Influence of Family on Creativity00:28:17 - Exploring Personal Interests and Hobbies00:29:27 - The Impact of Art Installations00:30:27 - Chloe's Favourites00:40:57 - Overcoming Challenges and Unique FactsLinks:Website: chloesavageembroidery.comInstagram: chloesavageembroideryIntro music is Getting Good at Letting Go (Instrumental Version) by Vicki Vox 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: needl.exchangeSign 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: mrxstitch.comAnd follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: mrxstitchInstagram: mrxstitchPinterest: mrxstitchYouTube: mrxstitchLinkedIn: mrjamiechalmers