In this episode, host Susan Weeks sits down with Owen Kelly, a fifth-generation stitcher with over 50 years of experience. Working from his remote home on the SW coast of Ireland, and inspired by the natural beauty of the wild Atlantic coast, Owen shares his colourful creative journey—from traditional family techniques to his innovative “flow stitching” and narrative-inspired projects. Known for his playful globe-trotting character Seamus O'Comanssy, and his ever-evolving quilt project, Owen reveals how he blends art, storytelling, and textile heritage to create pieces that are as personal as they are visually striking.
Key Talking Points:
Family Heritage: Owen’s lifelong connection to stitching, passed down through generations.
Remote Creativity: How life on SW Ireland's wild Atlantic coast and the surrounding natural world shape his work.
Flow Stitching: His distinctive, freeform stitching style that tells a narrative as it evolves.
Seamus O'Comanssy – The Creative Proxy: The story behind his character Seamus and how it bridges his passion for travel and art, sharing creativity and interesting insights into other people's creative lives.
Quilt Project: Insights into his ongoing quilt project assembled from recycled, stitched squares.
Commissioned Works: How Owen tailors designs—using personal motifs, astrological signs, and indigenous symbols—for bespoke commissions.
Digital Storytelling: His use of social media (Facebook and Instagram) to share his creative process and connect with fellow textile enthusiasts.
Narrative & Folklore: Drawing on Irish oral traditions and global folk tales to imbue his work with hidden meanings.
Ambassadorship: His role as an ambassador for “World Peace One World, One People, One Stitch at a Time.”
Challenges & Inspiration: Balancing multiple projects while embracing the spontaneity of creative expression.
Relevant Links:
View Links, information & Examples of Owen's work at
https://stitcherystories.com/owenkelly
Follow Owen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owen.kelly.75
Follow Owen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Slavetothestitch
Follow Seamus O'Comanssy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555416757284
World Peace, One World, One People, One Stitch at a time (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/968783837184739/
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