Textile artist Martha Hussey on embroidery, tufting, latch hook, and why the back of the work matters.
Martha Hussey joins Jamie Chalmers (Mr X Stitch) for a deep (and very funny) conversation about making art with thread — from embroidery as meditation to tufting, latch hook, and the “back of the work”.
Martha trained in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and later completed a diploma in art therapy. We talk about how stitch can quiet the mind, why perfection is overrated, and how some of Martha’s best-loved work is the stuff that breaks the “rules” — including pieces where the reverse side becomes part of the story.
Along the way we get into:
- How stitch became Martha’s main medium (and why Martha treats thread like paint)
- Moving from tiny, time-consuming detail to large-scale tufting and mixed media
- The Don’t Tell Dad commission (yes, the embroidered table)
- Martha’s solo show at Three Rooms Gallery (E17) and the reality of putting on an exhibition
- Why the back of the embroidery can be as meaningful as the front
- Modern love vignettes, humour in art, and telling stories through textiles
Follow / explore Martha’s work
Website: https://marthahussey.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthahusseystudio/
Intro music is I Been All Alone by Dev Do It.
Music licensing via Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/3403dx
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.
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