In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Robert John Hodge.

Robert John Hodge makes cross-stitch work based on Renaissance sculptures, using a CMYK / screenprint-style layering approach and recurring Wingdings symbols.

We talk about being a finalist in the Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize, how the work is technically constructed, and the bigger ideas underneath it: art vs craft, nostalgia, digital “glitch” language, and how slow, tactile making can transform images that started life as fast and disposable.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:10 – Hand & Lock finalist story + mentor + family cheer squad

00:03:56 – Renaissance sculpture → CMYK layers → Wingdings glitch

00:06:30 – Time-saving stitching: let the fabric do some work

00:09:27 – Hobby → medium (London limits shaping the practice)

00:11:58 – Art vs craft: embroidery as the point, not the punchline

00:14:36 – 90s Windows nostalgia: Wingdings, WordArt energy

00:17:19 – Making patterns: first self-draft + tools/workflow

00:20:01 – Scale, time, and the realities of big stitch work

00:26:30 – Inputs and influences feeding the work

00:30:28 – Process evolution: designing for a “digital” feel

00:36:40 – New “collage” series: smaller, quicker stitched mashups

Links:

Website: robertjohnhodge.com

Instagram: robertjohnhodge

Intro music is Cotton Candy by Cospe via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange

An artist interview podcast exploring contemporary embroidery and textile art. Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers.

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