“I hope that in my art, I continue to highlight the feminine gaze and help others see the beauty in themselves. To see themselves as art and worthy of that.”

So much of the erotic art process revolves around exploring one’s connection to their body, identity, or sexuality. We saw that with 406jackalope’s work, and we see the same with Hallie Baker’s (Scissor and Stitch).

In this interview with Scissor and Stitch, a Colorado transplant originally from Buffalo, they delve into the intersection of artistry, identity, and eroticism.

I hope you enjoy this interview with Scissor and Stitch.

1. What’s your name? - Where are you from? - Where are you now? Who are you—philosophically, ethically, artistically, and/or sexually?

I'm Hallie Baker and I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I have lived in the Lafayette/Westminster area of Colorado for the last 4 ½ years.

First and foremost I am a queer, non-binary artist who strives to encourage body positivity/neutrality and the overall celebration of queer joy. I am an activist who tailors my passion towards holistic care at all levels.

Previously, I was a housing case manager who worked with youth experiencing homelessness. Through that, I was able to hone my skills in holistic care, advocacy, and therapeutic intervention.

I firmly believe that everyone, at all levels, deserves to be cared for and should be provided the tools to succeed however that may be defined by them.

Sexually, I am an explorative person who, throughout the years, has opened up my interest in the BDSM/kink community. I always believed I had a special skill of ignoring the “rules” in the moment and exploring my own needs. Through that, I discovered my sexuality, but it was never something I openly discussed. Part of that was due to my mother tagging what she thought my sexuality was. I never wanted to feel like she “won” or was able to claim something at my own expense. Due to that, my sexuality has never been addressed or spoken about to this day.

My interest in the BDSM dynamic draws on my longing for a more intimate experience with my partner. I appreciate the acceptance that comes from this community, as well as the non-judgemental and holistic support.

2. How did your household/groups outside of your home treat the topic of sex and eroticism when you were growing up? How do you think that informed your view on sexuality and your art?

Being someone who grew up as a hyper-sexual person, sex and eroticism was something that always interested me. However, I grew up in a home where sex and eroticism were villainized and shamed. There was never a religious component in how sex was viewed, but my mother projected her single teen mom experience on me. She never wanted me to experience what she did while simultaneously expecting that would be my exact future.

I was told at a very young age that I couldn't dress a certain way, all the way down to my underwear. I couldn't get a type of piercing or smile for too long at a grown man because that would appeal to them and make them sexually interested in me. Instead of being told that it was these grown men who should feel shameful for sexualizing me, it was me who was shamed.

I felt unsafe sharing my experiences, good and bad, with my family because I was worried that they would continue to blame me for everything. I vividly remember having a partner who I never slept with, and when he cheated on me I ended our relationship and shared that with my mom. She, as always, inserted herself and called him. He said that we did sleep together and my mom believed him. The conversation quickly turned into me being a “bad person” and her projections reared their head again.

When I was in high school, I had a sexual experience with a good friend, and I was held back from an extracurricular to sit across from his mother and tell her everything that happened. I was forced to “take the blame” and was villainized as someone who initiated and seduced him into our actions.

3. Was erotic art and content creation always something you wanted to pursue?

I was ALWAYS interested in the human, specifically feminine, figure. I loved being able to touch, explore, and appreciate how vulnerable and intimate the relationships were. I grew up crafting things with my grandmother and always knew that art would be a part of my life.

I would have never thought that I would be able to share my sexual and sensual side with others. To remove the stigma for myself and allow others in. I think, like many people my age, as social media became big I got sucked into how I presented myself. I tried to be suggestive but cute, seeking attention based on my appearance. So being able to remove myself from what I share and still see others interact positively is pretty cool.

4. What has the evolution of your work looked like? When did you start exploring erotic subject matter?

I didn't have a clear vision when I started last year. I started by exploring mid-century modern styles and art. I then moved towards creating designs that made me happy and things that just popped into my head. Through that, I was able to move into erotic and sensual art.

This year is all about exploring and incorporating more dynamic mediums. I want to start including different textiles and watercolors to bring more, of what I would consider, “life” into my work. I am excited about where my art is going and how it is going to evolve over time!

5. Pick a piece of your work (photo or video) and tell us about it. How did the concept of this piece come together? What story are you trying to tell? Did you like it when you published it, and do you still feel the same way?

“Self-portrait”, 8-inch, 2023. I have always struggled with my self-image. I grew up in a home where my body was a big focus; how thin I was, how my weight was relevant to my height, what I looked like in comparison to others, and most importantly, what my body brought to my sexual relationships. Being so self-aware of my body, I began to find it hard to look at. I was told by my biological father that all my body was good for was sex. I was meant to serve others with my body.

Right before I turned 20 my body started to change. Chronic health and pain ran rampant throughout my body, which then added that my body was a failure. My body was never my own and I became so detached that I truly felt like I was floating throughout the world. Soon after I started embroidering, I decided to embroider a body, and what a better test subject than myself. I spent hours drawing, stitching, and staring at myself. Turning myself into art.

While I was working I never really thought about it being me. Partially because it wasn't a picture of my current body, partially because I never really was able to look at myself neutrally. Once I was done, I noticed the improvement in my skills and was so proud of myself and of what my body looked like. I didn’t focus on how I was thinner at the time and I didn't look at the piece and see the things that were told to me. I saw a beautiful, beginner piece of work, something I was proud to display in my home. I was able to reclaim my body in a small way and I hope to bring that same mentality to others.

6. What do your personal and artistic futures look like for you?

I'm sure like many people, I have no idea. All I know is that I want to be happy and laugh a lot, share intimate experiences with others, and embrace vulnerability. I hope that in my art, I continue to highlight the feminine gaze and help others see the beauty in themselves. To see themselves as art and worthy of that.

I want to continue to learn about and explore myself and my identity. Grow my family, both my immediate family and my chosen family. I guess, all in all, I hope to have intimacy, growth, and joy.

7. What influence do you hope to have on erotic art and content creation in Denver and the genre as a whole?

I want people to know that erotic art can be explored in many different ways. It can range from sculpture to line work, painting, embroidery, and more.

When it comes to art, it's easy to compare yourself to others, but you will always bring a sense of uniqueness to what you do. It is okay to make and display art just for yourself or others and know that the audience meant for you will find you.

There is a sense of elegance to erotic art and I hope to help others see that through my work.

I hope that I can bring a safe space for others to show subtle and overtly erotic art in your home. I want to bring about sexual positivity and express your sensuality. I want others to see themselves in the work that I do.

Anything to plug?

Follow me on Instagram at Scissor_and_Stitch or email me at scissor.stitch.embroidery@gmail.com to collaborate.

Lucky 7: Scissor and Stitch