Elsa Hansen’s deceptively simple cross-stitch pieces now adorn the wall of Simon Dickinson, in the artist’s first solo exhibition. The cross stitch, while seemingly delicate, is an ancient form of decoration imbued with both historical meaning and present cultural significance. Embroidery flourished during the Tang dynasty (618 -906 AD) in China, and from there spread westward along trade routes, eventually influencing Middle Eastern, African and European art. The Bayeux tapestry, an 11th century embroidery detailing the Norman invasion, served to tell the story of history and educate people for years to come. Many centuries later, Elsa Hansen, has revived the art of storytelling through embroidery, revitalizing the cross-stitch and once again connecting cultures. Her works often portray provocative comparisons of public and religious figures, offering an artistic take on popular events, politics and society of today. Once again using embroidery as a means of communication, Elsa Hansen’s pieces intertwine tradition and pop culture.

I was born and raised in Louisville, KY. I attended college in Bowling Green Kentucky where my major was outdoor recreation. In 2008 I took a summer internship as an Urban Park Ranger in Brooklyn. During this time I met filmmaker Van Neistat. Instead of returning to school I stayed in New York to assist Neistat with making movies, which also led to my work as Tom Sachs’ assistant. I started cross stitching while Van edited and quickly became hooked. At first I played around with various types of cross stitch designs until I came across Craig Robinson's 8-bit pixelated people designs- Minipops. This inspired me to create my own and I have been doing so ever since.

1. Where were you born and raised and how did you come to be working in New York City?
I was born and raised in Louisville, KY and went to college for outdoor recreation in Bowling Green Ky. In 2008 I took a summer internship as an Urban Park Ranger in Brooklyn. During this time I met and fell in love with Van Neistat and stayed in New York instead of returning to school.

2. How do you feel your roots intertwine with the medium you choose to use, which is embroidery?
As a kid my favorite part of the state fair was seeing the amazing quilts and embroideries that were on display. There is a strong tradition of embroidery, cross stitch, and embroidered quilts in Kentucky and I feel seeing them at the fair each year had a big impact on me and my work.

3. How did the origin of your artwork come about?
Soon after meeting Van we began making movies together. To have something to do while he edited I started cross stitching. At first I played around with various cross stitch designs until I came across Craig Robinson's pixelated 8-bit people designs- Minipops. The pixels translated directly to cross stitching and I soon began designing and stitching my own. I've been doing so ever since.

4. What is your favorite work from the show or which do you identify with the most, and why?
My favorite work from the show is the Eve and Eve piece. I identify with it because as a woman I feel it sums up the whole spectrum of women throughout history.

5. Who are your favorite heroes throughout history? (ie writers, artists, historical figures)
Noah Church, Wendell Berry, Esther (from the Book of Esther), Tom Sachs, Hunter S. Thompson, and Joan of Arc