Maddie Jones is a skier, embroidery artist and founder of The Cruel Goblin: a cross stitch art and pattern business. In this article, she tells us about her journey creating art, and how it has influenced her approach to life.
Hi there! Could you introduce yourself and what you do for the readers?
Hi! I'm Maddie AKA The Cruel Goblin. I am a cross stitcher living in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
Can you share some of your past projects with us (snow, art, or something else)? How have they shaped your career trajectory?
I was taught to cross stitch by my grandma when I was like 13 and have done it all my life, even during my 11 year long skiing career! I started out doing super traditional cross stitch, using other people's patterns etc. but gradually through my love of tattoos and tattoo art I started making my own patterns and pieces and from there it evolved into what I do today, which is a lot of different things. I still love tattoo flash style art, but also Australiana and even tacky grandma-esque motifs.
Maddie with a cross stitch piece featuring various skulls.As a woman and a small business owner, how do you think your perspective impacts making/designing your embroidery and cross stitch artworks?
It's funny that I am not a traditional 'gender-role' type woman and yet you will often find me at home, with my cats & sewing haha. If you met me in person, I am quite a tom-boy in a lot of ways- but I feel like embroidery is a huge part of my femininity. (Maybe it's how men feel when they go hunting?) I love making art and then having friends over and making them look at it. I get a huge sense of pride from my work, which I feel fortunate to have as I think a lot of artists have some problems being satisfied with their work! Haha.
Do your experiences in the outdoors shape how you approach tasks in daily life (work, art, etc)?
Being a skier for so long and even training with the Australian team for a stint made me really admire hard work & routine. I think with something like art (and skiing) you need to be motivated by, and really enjoy, the process and not just the outcome. I am sure spending 100 hours making tiny 'x's over and over again would be hell to a lot of people! But I find the whole process so relaxing and that's why it's been such a long term love affair for me- and I see that same trait in professional athletes. They just LOVE the actual thing, not just the final outcome.
Do you have any tips for girls looking to take steps towards starting a career in adventure sports or creative industries?
Just do it. If it's what you want to do, do it for you. I think a lot of women have a tendency to worry about what others think or how they may be perceived. And it's such a shame to see! Also- reach out to other women! Any time I saw another girl skiing, I would approach her and make her be my friend and some of those friendships are my most important. Just get out there and do the damn thing!
Are there any creatives you'd like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I am OBSESSED with everything @rosysignco does. As well as @minnaleunig - an Aussie Icon for sure. There's also an amazing lino printer from sydney- @slater.prints. I'm endlessly inspired by how many amazing female artists there are out there!
Maddie's Instagram: @madelieneelizabeth
The Cruel Goblin Instagram: @thecruelgoblin
Ski Film: JYOSEI (also featuring cinematography, editing and skiing from our previous guest, Laura Obermeyer)
"Butterfly Sheet". A cross stitch piece featuring various butterflies by Maddie/The Cruel Goblin.
A huge thank you to Maddie for sharing her art and a little bit about her life running The Cruel Goblin.
I'd love it if you could send this to your friends to share Maddie's work with the world.
Happy creating!
Abi x
All images courtesy of Maddie Jones.