Austin-based artist Jenny Hart took it upon herself to bring nudity, cocktails, and community into the world of embroidery.  And why not?


Chief: So, how exactly did you get into the embroidery game?

Jenny Hart: I got into embroidery during a very tough time in my life when a lot of my family was very sick, and it seemed to be the only thing that could quell my anxiety.  That's when I started doing my portraits.  I had such a huge response and people would say, "That's amazing, I wish I knew how to embroider…"  There just weren't any resources for people.  I thought it would be fun to start an updated embroidery company and teach people how to do it.  I was obsessed with it, to be honest!

Your website FAQ is pretty funny.  You mention several times that you don't take requests for portraits.

Yeah, I get so many that I have to set up roadblocks or I'd keep saying yes!

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What is the strangest embroidery commission request you've ever had?

I really haven't had any strange requests, more people asking me if I'll do portraits.   A few years back somebody asked me to do a portrait of Hank Williams Jr. and I thought "Oh, yeah! Hank Williams… Oh wait… Junior?   No."  My boyfriend wants me to do a Nudie Suit.

Sorry… Nudie Suit?

Nudie [Cohn] had a tailor shop out of Nashville and he did rodeo-ware covered in sequins and embroidery.  He did Elvis's gold lamé suit, lots and lots of rock stars, Elton John…  They're way overboard.  But those are done on a machine—a mix of machine and hand embroidery.  All my work is done by hand, and I don't know how to piece together a suit.

Yeah, your website mentions that you don't sew.   Ever think about taking it up?

I'm too busy, but there are times when I think, "Gosh, if I knew how to sew and make my own clothing, I'd be so into it."   But I'm really consumed by what I'm doing right now and enjoying it and feel like I haven't explored it as much as I want to.