Welcome to NeedleXChange, conversations on the art of thread. It’s our podcast in which Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers talks with needlework and textile artists about their practice and process.
Salley Mavor is a mixed-media artist whose folk-art-inspired vignettes tell stories of light and dark.
When Sally joined us for an interview on our podcast NeedleXChange, we discovered how her artistic process began and how she creates her mixed media worlds. We also explore the world of children’s book illustration, something that Salley has been involved in for over a decade.
In our interview, Salley begins by introducing us to her creative space, which she describes as a studio in her garage, separate from the rest of the house. It’s large, and although she works in a small area on her table, she surrounds herself with materials and inspirations that fuel her creativity.
Salley also envisions transforming her space into an immersive art experience, where the entire room becomes part of the artwork.
We learn how her practice first sparked in her childhood and how her mother, who was also an artist, influenced her creativity greatly. Salley explains how she always preferred making physical objects like collages or dolls rather than flat drawings and learned by experimenting with different materials and techniques.
She initially struggled with the traditional art school structure, but a teacher encouraged her to explore her unique approach of creating dolls and scenes with fabric and embroidery. This revelation freed her creatively and allowed her to embrace her natural artistic style.
Throughout her career, Salley has continued to create narrative art and standalone pieces, blending playfulness with structure in her work. Her journey has been about finding her true artistic voice and having the freedom to explore and express her vision.
Don’t forget to listen to our full interview on our NeedleXChange podcast if you would like to hear more, and check out Sally on her socials.
