Holly Searle - Subversive Stitcher [NX096]

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Holly Searle.

Holly is a visual artist who transforms vintage tea towels into striking, subversive works of textile art,

In the first part of the NeedleXChange, Holly talks about the origins of her creativity - from childhood memories and charity shop treasures to her fascination with nostalgic and domestic objects.

Holly shares how personal history, humour, and a love of the overlooked inform her practice, and we begin to explore the foundations of her acclaimed Tea Towel Project.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:20 - Owls and other Curiosities

00:07:19 - The Impact of Objects on Memory

00:10:08 - Art and Creativity in Everyday Life

00:13:09 - The Role of Art in Community

00:16:02 - Dyslexia and Creative Expression

00:18:57 - The Journey to Tea Towels

00:21:41 - Tea Towels as a Medium for Expression

00:24:44 - The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Tea Towels

00:30:58 - The Allure of Nostalgia in Marketing

00:34:00 - Art as a Medium for Social Commentary

Links:

Website: thesubversivestitcher.com

Instagram: the_subversive_stitcher

Intro music is Electric Kids by Falcon Dives 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

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If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com

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