NeedleXChange

In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Margot Peer, a mixed-media artist and Rhode Island School of Design painting major whose hyperrealistic cross-stitches turn deeply personal photographs into universally resonant images.
In Part 1 we get into her love of glitches, malfunctions and failing technology, how painting became the "trunk" that everything else grows out of, and the first cross stitch that started it all (an Aphex Twin album cover). Margot explains why she treats each stitch pattern as its own language, why she feels like she is "cheating" with a pattern converter, and how a 1930s typewriter-art movement pulled her into breaking the grid.
Links:
Website: margotpeer.com
Instagram: margot.peer
Intro music is New Car Smell by Baegel via Epidemic Sound.
About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites!

This is a repeat of episode #8.

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
00:07:15 - How Meredith’s technique is like darning
00:12:00 - Her involvement in scientific realms
00:21:00 - The 100 Embroideries Project
00:24:10 - How Meredith juggles art/life/children
00:27:00 - Meredith’s toolset
00:32:00 - Teaching embroidery online
00:42:00 - Favourite Band
00:43:00 - Favourite Podcast
00:45:30 - Favourite Film
00:46:15 - Favourite Book
00:48:00 - Interesting fact that no one knows about Meredith Woolnough

Links:
Website: meredithwoolnough.com.au
Instagram: meredithwoolnough

Intro music is Let's Go Find The Sun by Sarah the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites!

This is a repeat of episode #64.
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 - Introduction
00:02:00 - The Formulaic Nature of Cartoons
00:03:06 - Open-Ended Narratives in Art
00:05:09 - The Impact of Chicago on Artistic Expression
00:13:45 - The Importance of Titles in Art
00:20:03 - Reflections on Furniture and Emotional Spaces
00:24:45 - Peter’s Favourite Band
00:31:09 - Peter’s Favourite Films
00:37:46 - Literary Preferences and Influential Books
00:43:15 - A fact (or two) that not many people know about Peter Frederiksen

Links:
Website: pefrederiksen.com
Instagram: pefrederiksen

Intro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites!

This is a repeat of episode #63.
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 - Introduction
00:02:00 - Exploring Motion and Action in Art
00:07:59 - The Evolution of Peter's Artistic Style
00:10:58 - The Journey into Stitching and Embroidery
00:13:58 - Early Experiences and Influences in Art
00:17:08 - The Shift to Machine Embroidery
00:19:55 - Themes of Violence and Nostalgia in Animation
00:34:34 - Exploring the Humour in Classic Cartoons
00:38:12 - The Evolution of Animation Styles

Links:
Website: pefrederiksen.com
Instagram: pefrederiksen

Intro music is 222 by Sarah the Illstrumentalist via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com

It's the school summer holidays and I'm taking a break. So instead of new chats, I'm replaying some of my old favourites!

This is a repeat of episode #87.
In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Stephanie Kelly Clark.
Stephanie is a contemporary embroidery artist whose work transforms humble homes and everyday moments into rich visual stories stitched with painterly precision. In this first part of our conversation, we explore her creative upbringing, the role of art in parenting, and her evolving relationship with embroidery as a medium. From homemade Halloween costumes to thread-based storytelling, Stephanie shares how her domestic life and artistic journey are deeply intertwined.

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:08:30 – Exploring Storytelling Through Art
00:11:45 – The Journey into 3D Embroidery
00:15:43 – Nature as Inspiration: The Life Cycle in Art
00:20:02 – The Intersection of Art and Music
00:26:31 – Nostalgia and Personal Connections in Film
00:31:06 – Comedy: A Reflection of Life and Art
00:35:51 – The Challenge of Reading and Learning
00:37:49 – Unexpected Talents and Personal Stories

Links:
Website: stephaniekclark
Instagram: artiststephaniekellyclark

Intro music is Sunset by OTE via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange
An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.
Stay Connected
needl.exchange | Newsletter: bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNews
mrxstitch.com | xstitchmag.com