In this episode of NeedleXChange, I interview Deborah Simon. Deborah is a Brooklyn-based sculptor and embroiderer known for her hauntingly beautiful bears and rabbits that blend faux fur, taxidermy and anatomy.

We talk about her early influences, how she went from painting to sculpture, and why she’s so fascinated by the tension between the cuddly teddy bear and the deadly wild bear - plus how camping trips and natural history books shaped her work.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 – The Evolution of Needlework in Contemporary Art

00:04:27 – The Intersection of Art and Science

00:09:34 – Balancing Accuracy and Aesthetic in Art

00:12:10 – The Value of Artistic Process and Rejection

00:17:32 – Resistance as a Path to Creativity

00:24:55 – Creative Challenges in Sculpture

00:26:41 – Audiobooks and Their Influence on Art

00:28:54 – Exploring Literature and History

00:31:31 – Music Preferences in the Studio

00:35:04 – Television and Film Recommendations

00:39:45 – The Art of Set Design

Links:

Website: deborahsimon.net

Instagram: deborahasimon

Intro music is Looking Like Me 1 by David Björk 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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