Small canvas, big story: celebrating strength and community through queer needlepoint
| 08/09/24
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I have been working with fiber arts since I can remember. My great grandmother tried to teach me quilting when I was in elementary school and I never caught on, but ventured into embroidery instead.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I started HxCCrafts in 2020 to connect with the art community during the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
When quarantines began to lift, I started showing and selling my art with Safe Space and TransJam markets.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
My art started as a fun way to express my interests.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
But after losing one of the most important people in my life in 2021, I began pouring emotion into my pieces in a way I hadn’t before.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I’ve used art expression to critique the world around me.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I’ve also used art to support causes.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
And to bring complex emotions and sentiments into visual format.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I’ve created custom pieces for folks who have shared with me intimate stories of their childhoods, their relationships, loss, and love.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I’ve had folks stand at my table for an hour telling me what they feel from a certain art piece.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Each art piece has a story to tell, reliant on the individual experiences and perspectives of the viewer.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
There is no right or wrong way to feel about art.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
The beauty of individuality in interpretation is what I most hope to share with the world.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Connecting with people through art has been a rewarding experience.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
My art has become a way to express deep and personal emotions.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I cherish the collaborative nature of creating custom pieces for others.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Creating art after loss has given me a new perspective on my work.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
I’m proud to support LGBTQ+ causes through my art.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Art has a powerful way of connecting people and sharing stories.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Fiber arts have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Through my work, I hope to share the beauty of individuality and personal interpretation.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Art is not just about creating; it’s about connecting, understanding, and sharing with the world.
Courtesy Emmett Tucker HxCCrafts
Emmett Tucker is an embroidery and fiber artist in Richmond, VA. He is a Social Work and Gender Studies graduate from VCU and is passionate about community work. He serves the LGBTQ+ community through local events with TransJam events, HeSheZe&We, and Diversity Thrift. Emmett runs the RVA Little Queer Library project based in Autonomy Salon, which provides access to Queer and banned books, as well as other accessibility projects including providing free period products in various locations in RVA. He and his husband live in a quiet home in Glen Allen with their daughter and two Schnauzers. Emmett’s work can be purchased both online and in person at The Beautiful Idea in Charlottesville.
Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.