Jamie Chalmers is “Mr X Stitch”, a world renowned embroider, who has exhibited his textile art internationally. Jamie is based in Bedford, England, where he develops his artist creations and details his work on his blog. In fact, his site features a number of writers sharing the latest and freshest stitched art from around the world. The site covers all manner of stitch work, including cross stitch, hand and machine embroidery, felting, weaving and quilting. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jamie Chalmers.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I play with cross stitch, using words and phrases to create irreverent embroidery designs for people to enjoy. The stitches might be soft, but there’s an edge to the work.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Choosing a funny phrase, playing with fonts and colours to produce something that works, and transforming it into an electronic pattern. Then stitching the design up for show.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I’ve come across a lot of artists within the world of embroidery, but one of my absolute favourites is Tilleke Schwarz, whose work is almost like jazz poetry played out in embroidered snippets and symbols. You can stare at her work for hours, reading and discovering all manner of wit and whimsy. I also massively admire Erin Riley, who makes woven tapestries of modern intimacies.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I’m inspired by the thousands of embroideries I’ve seen over the years. There’s so much great needlework out there, and I’m constantly blown away by new artists pushing at the boundaries of this craft.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
As Mr X Stitch, I’ve been lucky to flex the internet and find so much great work to share with others, but it’s not happened overnight. Whatever you do, whether it’s designing, making, blogging or exhibiting, be in love with it and be in it for the long haul, and success will be inevitable.
