Lesley Wheeler - Textilia Arcana [NX108]

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Lesley Wheeler.

Lesley is a poet, quilter, and textile artist who brings tarot symbolism to life through fabric and thread.

In this first half of our conversation we explore how she approaches tarot as both a meditative tool and a form of visual storytelling, her PhD in confessional poetry, and the ways writing and textiles draw from the same creative well. Lesley shares how quilting became a sustaining practice during lockdown, the historical tarot decks that inspire her, and her ideas about liminality, accessibility, and making art that exists beyond traditional institutions.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 – Exploring Tarot: A Tool for Understanding

00:04:15 – The Intersection of Poetry and Textiles

00:07:06 – The Journey into Quilt Making

00:09:48 – The Role of Art in Communication

00:12:44 – The Creative Process Behind Tarot Cards

00:15:37 – The Influence of Historical Art on Modern Creations

00:18:17 – The Balance of Art and Functionality

00:20:52 – The Personal Connection to Art and Poetry

00:23:55 – The Evolution of Craft and Artistic Expression

00:34:03 – Embracing Creativity and Trusting Oneself

Links:

Website: lannwheeler.com

Instagram: major_arcana_textiles

Intro music is Summer of Love by Roy Edwin Williams 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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