Self-portraits and alter egos
She’s already mastered the stage as an award-winning comedian and shared her thoughts and experiences through her work as a columnist and author. Now Emma Markezic has taken on an alter ego in the creative world of textile art.
You might know her from her words in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Buzzfeed, or from her performances on SBS’s Comedy School or in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Or maybe you’ve read her latest book, Curveballs: How to keep it together when life tries to tear you a new one. Emma Markezic is one talented woman, and she’s just added a new activity to her repertoire.
We asked Emma some questions about herself and her new friend, the punch needle.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself
Well, funny you should ask! By day I’m author and comedian Emma Markezic, by night I’m textile artist Punch Drunk Paloma. She’s my alter ego, the Childish Gambino to my Donald Glover.
When did you get started on punch needle art?
I started in early 2020. I came across it on Instagram and fell down a cyber vortex of hoops and yarn. When I bought my first punch needle I had no idea how much I’d like it and how many more needles and frames and yarns, oh my, I would buy. As soon as I got my first commission I was in fo’ life, yo.
How long does a piece usually take to make?
A regular 12”-ish size piece is a full day, from design to completion. Usually it’s the actual punch needling which takes the biggest chunk of time, but occasionally it’s the design… especially if it’s a commission as I’ll want to get it juuuuust right. I can’t seem to do a piece that takes any longer than a week because I start itching to start the next one.
What inspires your designs?
I realised very quickly it was pop art – everything from Andy Warhol to popular TV and memes. The inspiration is simply imagining someone’s reaction when they see it. I live for that little tickle of joy.
Talk us through your creative process
I always sketch out the design and pick all the colours ahead of time. Occasionally a colour combo doesn’t work on the canvas and I’ll have to rejig it on the fly, but I definitely plan ahead. Usually it’s triggered by a movie I see or an outfit I admire or maybe even a plant I spy on a walk, but after that there’s always some research and sketching (a lot of sketching).
Emma’s punch needle self-portrait.
What puts you in the mood to create?
The need to do something with my hands combined with the need to do something with my head. Some people play piano, other’s cook, I punch the needle.
What do you love most about punch needle?
I love how forgiving it is. It’s like a friend who you can stand up again and again but who loves you anyway. It doesn’t matter if you’re not perfect, she’s always there for you with a reassuring hug. I think people who find things like crochet and knitting a little trying (don’t you dare drop a stitch!), will love punch needle. It’s creative without being overly finicky.
Sydney, Australia
