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.
Sally Wilson is a UK-based Mixed Media artist whose work has to be seen to be believed. Her background in sculpture and years as an art teacher underpin her creative output, which is diverse and exciting. We have a great interview with Sally on our Podcast NeedleXChange which you can listen to here.
Sally’s life was transformed after a head injury which has fundamentally altered how she thinks, but her artwork evolved with these changes and her Royal Cloak art piece won third place in The Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize Mixed Media category.
When and how did you learn embroidery, and what was your first embroidery project?
Since childhood I have always sewn bits and pieces and it is something I love doing but I am pretty shoddy at it! Part of my problem is that I like immediate results and hand stitching is slow and laborious, but the results can be stunning. I am definitely not neat and my dexterity fluctuates from day to day… but I am a determined, stubborn person who NEVER gives up…… the Hand & Lock project was my first embroidery project!
Describe your dream commission. What and for whom is it?
I love producing my own pieces rather than being blinkered or restricted by the requirements of others, which is a very selfish view but one which comes from producing commercial work over the years to “make ends meet”.
Rather than a one-off commission I would love to have an exhibition of my growing collection of diverse work in a reputable location. My ultimate dream would be Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Barbara Hepworth gallery, Wakefield or the V & A, London. I can dream, can’t I?
You work in a wide range of mediums. Do you have a favorite? Are there mediums you haven’t yet used but want to try? If so, what?
Drawing forms the basis of all I create. However, I do love exploring and incorporating mixed media particularly welded steel and free machine stitch. I don’t really consider the mediums (I choose to use) as separate “entities” but rather materials which are blended to create exciting variations of textures, colours and form.
I will utilise anything at my disposal and have, over the last few years, incorporated ceramics, graffito on glass and LEDs amongst others. My next project will include nails and other hardware with textiles and welded steel—which could be interesting?!
I am always looking for new ways to diversify and challenge myself. One project I would love to do is create a sculpture or relief which could be cast in aluminium or iron. A friend of mine owns the industrial casting firm which cast some of Antony Gormley’s early figures and he has bugged me for years to create something to cast at his foundry.
We love catching up with Sally! If you’d like to see more of her work, you can check out her website and listen to our full podcast interview here.
