In this episode of NeedleXChange we interview Niki McDonald.
Niki McDonald, also known as TapestryGirl, is an Australian needlework artist whose urban pop art portraits use modern street art styles to tell stories of iconic characters she has created.
In our interview we talk about how Niki juggles the artistic path while also working in special needs education and being a modern mother, how Niki’s work fits within the art ecosystem, her local art scene in Sydney, and she shares a regal fact about a previous job that you’re going to love
Timestamps:
00:01:11 - Niki’s day job and the value of hands-on activities for mental health
00:04:20 - The benefits of moving away from digital to analog forms of making
00:09:20 - Niki’s educational background
00:20:00 - Stitching as a “spiritual” practice
00:25:40 - How Niki makes space to work
00:28:10 - How Niki manages projects
00:34:30 - How needlepoint gives street art another chance
00:35:10 - Bob Girl - The Urban Explorer
00:44:30 - The benefits of an alter-ego
00:47:45 - How Niki’s work fits within the broader artistic ecosystem
00:56:00 - The Australiana project
00:62:00 - Earworms…
00:67:10 - Favourite podcast
00:69:10 - Favourite book
00:71:10 - Favourite album
00:72:10 - Favourite film
00:74:10 - Favourite outdoor space for stitching
00:76:55 - Interesting fact that no one knows about Niki McDonald
Links:
Website: https://tapestrygirl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapestry.girl
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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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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