SEAMSIDE: Exploring the Inner Work of Textiles

In this bonus episode of SEAMSIDE, Sara Trail and I have a little surprise for you. After we’d stopped recording the conversation you just heard in episode 1, I asked Sara if she thought her mom, Kay Trail,— who’s obviously played a key role in her life— if her mom would be interested in talking with me a little bit. Without skipping a beat— and this probably comes as no surprise to you now— Sara had her mom on the phone, and though Sara has to run off to go to work, Kay and I chat for several more minutes. What you’re about to hear is the unedited conversation that I had with Kay Trail. I hope you enjoy.

Nick D’Ornellas makes life-size screen prints of daily moments with his family around home. He then cuts the screen prints into thin strips and weaves them back together, distorting the original image, both sharing it with the public but also reserving the privacy of homelife. In our conversation, we discuss: 1 the role of family in art 2 exhibiting your work as a way to connect with the viewer 3 using the white cube gallery space as a toolHELPFUL LINKS ♡⤷ Get the companion zine for this conversation here⤷ Learn more about Nick’s work on his website⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

Michael Sylvan Robinson is a textile artist and a long-time activist with Gays Against Guns. In this pared-down episode recorded days after the shooting in Buffalo, Sylvan offers some hard-won wisdom from his years of activism that I hope are both a balm and an encouragement to you in doing the good work that needs to be done. I’ll update this episode page soon with further details.

Lou Gardiner is a joyful force of nature. As textile artist in the UK, she specializes in embroidery and is best known for her recent cape-making projects, including the Cloud Cape and the Cape of Empowerment.In our conversation, we discuss:① how her relationship with creativity shifted during her recent cancer journey② why we need each other now as much as ever③ the power of softness to reshape our worldHELPFUL LINKS ♡⤷ Learn more about Lou’s work on her website and you can follow along on Instagram⤷ Join me and Heidi Parkes for Sewing in Place at Madeline Island School of the Arts this June⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

Jess Bailey is an art historian, a collector of stories, and a quilter. You may know Jess from Instagram @publiclibraryquilts or their book, Many Hands Make a Quilt: Short Histories of Radical Quilting.The conversation we had was tender and joyful as we discussed:① why representation and visibility are so important in the quilting community,② the power of a gifted quilts, and ③ how to start a quilting practice even if you come from a long a line of quilters.HELPFUL LINKS ♡⤷ historic New Deal quilting bee photos⤷ Anna's mother Ruth Higham's book, The Edge of the Land⤷ The quilt made by the last indigenous queen of Hawaii⤷ Get a copy of Jess’s book Many Hands Make A Quilt: Short Histories of Radical Quilting in the US and in the UK ⤷ Listen to the oral history interview from the Quilt Alliance that Jess mentions⤷ work by Kailani Polzak, researcher of visual constructions of race in 18th and 19th century Europe⤷ Join me and Heidi Parkes for Sewing in Place at Madeline Island School of the Arts this June⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

In this episode, slow-stitcher Victoria Gertenbach and I discuss how the rustic barns of Lancaster County have shaped her work, how artists often feel squeeze when it comes to representing themselves and their work honestly on social media, and at the end Victoria takes us a wild word-association ride that will give you a taste of her creative process.HELPFUL LINKS ♡⤷  Join me and Heidi Parkes for Sewing in Place at Madeline Island School of the Arts this June⤷Watch the episode of SOFT BULK Victoria mentions in this episode⤷  The podcast is only half of SEAMSIDE! Check out the SEAMSIDE ZINE for more insights on this conversation⤷ Want to see the textiles pieces we mention in this show?⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

In this episode, I sit down with textile artist Beverly Smith and we discuss how making quilts can often be like a magic carpet ride, how our work can exist on the physical plane as well as higher planes, and how memory lives beyond trauma, buried safe in our hearts and minds. (Heads up: Around minute 26, we briefly touch the topic of suicide and how it has influenced Beverly’s work.)⤷ The podcast is only half of SEAMSIDE! Check out the SEAMSIDE ZINE for more insights on this conversation⤷ Want to see the textiles pieces we mention in this show?⤷ Curious about Beverly’s work? ⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK!⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

In this second episode, I sit down with weaver Jennifer Mao, and we discuss how she uses weaving as a way of closing the gaps she sees in the world around her, the importance of gift economy, and the role of the artist in preserving the spirit of the people.⤷ The podcast is only half of SEAMSIDE! Check out the SEAMSIDE ZINE for more insights on this conversation⤷ Want to see the textiles pieces we mention in this show?⤷ Curious about Jen’s work? ⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK!⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

In this first episode, I sit down and sew with artist Emma Freeman: maker of burial books and contemplation cloths. As we sew, we talk about some of the lessons working with cloth has taught us about being human. The conversation ranges from deep ecology to the intersection of Zen Buddhism and creativity.⤷ The podcast is only half of SEAMSIDE! Check out the SEAMSIDE ZINE for more insights on this conversation⤷ Want to see the textiles pieces we mention in this show?⤷ Curious about Emma’s work? ⤷ Learn more about the inner work of textiles in a supportive creative community, THE QUILTY NOOK!⤷ Theme music: Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops

This episode offers a raw and honest examination of how family history research can reveal both inspiring stories and difficult truths about our past. My journey from discovering less-than-perfect Revolutionary War heroes to uncovering my ancestors' role as enslavers demonstrates why understanding our complete history—not just the comfortable parts—is essential for creating a more just and equitable future.→ My tips for getting started with your family history→ Learn more about the SOUTHERN WHITE AMNESIA→ Curator page for the SWA collection→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

Step inside a packed gallery at the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum where I share the stories behind my SOUTHERN WHITE AMNESIA collection.This isn't a high-polish artist talk—it's a raw, honest exploration of how I discovered my family's deep involvement in slavery and transformed that uncomfortable truth into quilts, dolls, and primary source historical documents.This presentation demonstrates how textile work is uniquely positions to move into uncomfortable spaces and become a vehicle for historical reckoning and repair.You'll also hear about my decision to donate 100% of proceeds to HBCU scholarships and discover practical frameworks for approaching inherited trauma through the metaphor of "tending" rather than "mending" historical wounds.→ Curator page for the SWA collection→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

Just a note to let you know I haven’t forgot about you <3 the SEAMSIDE sabbatical needed to be a little longer than I expect, but it’s coming back soon! Listen to hear what all I’ve been up to the last twelve months.→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

In this special episode of SEAMSIDE, you'll hear reflections from a variety of community members who found connection, creative renewal, and unexpected insights while stitching side by side at our HUDDLE retreat. Working with textiles alongside others unlocks family stories and personal histories – there's something almost magical about the way fabric becomes a bridge across time and relationships.WANT TO JOIN US FOR THE NEXT HUDDLE?Learn more about our upcoming retreat here. And you can always email me at zak@zakfoster.com for more information.→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT → Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK → Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

Textile artist Heidi Parkes reflects on her transformative 13-month residency at Milwaukee's historic Pfister Hotel, discussing how the experience deepened her artistic practice, expanded her community connections, and prepared her for her upcoming mid-career retrospective exhibition.What happens when an artist's private practice meets the public eye for an entire year? Fresh from completing her prestigious residency at Milwaukee's historic Pfister Hotel, Heidi Parkes returns to SEAMSIDE to unpack what it was like to work in full public view for thirteen months. From unexpected revelations about her own work to the delicate dance of public engagement, Heidi shares how this residency in a busy hotel studio reshaped both her work and her perspective.In this SEAMSIDE conversation, Heidi and I explore: ① how public interaction informs the work we make ② how to ask meaningful questions when you step into a gallery ③ why she’s so glad to be back home You can hear Part 1 of our conversation here. → Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

I felt an immediate resonance when Demetri’s work first popped up on my screen. Here were these meticulous, vibrant prints of vintage photographs of ancestors, bedazzled in sequins and beads and quartz crystals. So we struck up a chat and over the last few months have really nurtured a budding friendship. It was over the course of my conversations with Demetri that I knew it was the right time to bring SEAMSIDE back.In this SEAMSIDE conversation, Demetri and I explore: ① how our identities can shift and expand over time ② why we need power objects like boxing gloves now more than ever ③ why he covers the eyes of his ancestors in his most recent workWHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE?In this conversation, Braxton reveals how personal identity shapes artistic practice, discussing his evolution from painting to creating intricate beaded boxing gloves and textile works that honor ancestors. His work navigates complex histories while seeking paths toward healing and understanding, offering valuable insights into how artists can address difficult histories while maintaining hope for the future.REFLECTION PROMPTHow do you navigate complex or difficult aspects of your family's history while maintaining connection to your past, your upbringing, and your ancestors?OTHER LINKS→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK → See images and more at the EPISODE WEBSITE→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

The last time Judy Martin and I caught up was about a year ago. At the point in time, she was just starting Your Fragile Life, a quilt project that she just wrapped up in recent weeks. If you haven’t heard our first chat, you can find it in the feed under April 2023. That conversation is one of the most-listened to episodes of all time, and in that chat, called HOW TO HOLD YOUR LIFE IN YOUR HANDS, Judy and I talk about: ① the tole time plays in our work ② how we can meet ourselves in our materials ③ how our creative arc shifts over timeThese days, she’s getting ready for her first international solo show at the Festival of Quilts in the UK and so there’s a lot to catch up on. In this conversation, Judy shares her reflections on quilting, caretaking, and the meaningful interactions she has had with different audiences, including a recent visit to her granddaughter's class. She discusses recent projects, like 'Your Fragile Life,' the importance of showing her work, even though showing itself comes with its own demands. One thing you’ll hear in this conversation that I think it quintessentially Judy is how she emphasizes the essential nature of care and touch in her quilts, highlighting how these elements connect with viewers on a deeply personal level. The discussion also touches on the power of minimalism, daily routines for creativity, and the broader implications of quilts in fostering compassion and understanding in the world we live in.→ Get your copy of THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR NEXT QUILT→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK→ Claim your free copy of 10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED QUILTING→ See images and more at the EPISODE WEBSITE → Nominate a GUEST for SEAMSIDE → Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

Recently Dana Staves, writer and textile artist, wrote a post on the NOOK that was so sweet and real and inspiring that I asked if she wouldn't mind recording it for y'all to hear. And luckily for us, she did. Thank you, Dana. I hope you enjoy this reflection on art & craft by Dana Staves.If you’d like to see how the NOOK can support you in your creative process, claim your free trial at the link below. → Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK

Barbara Campbell Thomas had a long-established painting practice when, about a decade ago, her mother bought her a sewing machine. Little did she know, but that gift provided her the perfect missing piece to her creative practice.What draws me to Barbara’s work is the balance between tautness and texture. Her stretched and pieced canvas quilt works pushes back an “all or nothing” perspective on genre. Her work is naturally generative and generous, creating expanses for so much.In this SEAMSIDE conversation, Barbara and I explore ① the value of a regular sketchbook practice (even if you don’t draw) ② what even is abstraction ③ how you can detect your matriarchs at work→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK → Claim your free copy of 10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED QUILTING → See images and more at the EPISODE WEBSITE → Nominate a GUEST for SEAMSIDE → Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM

Welcome to MEMBERSTORY, a new series of bonus interviews that bring you real-life stories from the NOOK. These conversations have been a great way to get to know some of folks that make the NOOK so special. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Wendy Muir from Adelaide, Australia.If you’d like to see how the NOOK can support you in your creative process, claim your free trial at the link below. → Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK

Russell James Barratt and his wildly joyful quilts make me want to lasso the UK and bring our two countries closer together. His work is loud and colorful, his demeanor is gentle and composed, and those two sides of Russell make for an imminently enjoyable friend to chat with.In this SEAMSIDE conversation, Russell and I explore: ① how he balances the tension of empty space and maximalism ② why the arc of creative exploration is longer than long ③ how we can use our quilts to say things words don’t touch→ Get your free trial to the QUILTY NOOK → Claim your free copy of 10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED QUILTING → See images and more at the EPISODE WEBSITE → Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM