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 this second part of our NeedleXChange, the conversation turns fully to Holly Searle’s Tea Towel Project - a growing collection of over 180 vintage textiles transformed into bold, felt-lettered artworks.

Holly discusses the power of protest through domestic materials, how she balances sharp commentary with playfulness, and why she believes textile art can speak volumes about the world we live in.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:25 - The Power of Language in Art

00:06:07 - Cultural Reflections and Personal Identity

00:08:51 - Balancing Critique with Positivity

00:15:33 - Future Aspirations and Artistic Legacy

00:20:50 - Life as a Journey: Embracing Change

00:24:45 - The Duality of Identity: Artist vs. Everyday Life

00:27:43 - Holly's Favourite Music

00:29:00 - Talkin' Television

00:33:03 - Holly's Favourite Film by a Fathom

00:37:44 - Little Know Facts: Ghosts and Quirks

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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