I am writing and publishing children's books about Central Asia. My research and writing bring me into contact with amazing artists and craftspeople, who inspire my imagination and help new ideas come to life. I have also been very lucky to collaborate with them on different projects.
I recently unpacked some of the Tajik and Uzbek embroidery pieces – suzani – that my husband and I have kept hidden for many years from small children and was once again taken with their beauty. Their ornamentation, bold colors, and intricacy all spoke to me and I had a sudden desire to share their beauty with the world. Luckily for me, a local photographer, Svetlana Vasilchenko, http://svetlanav.com/photography, also fell in love with suzani and we spent several photo sessions creating wonderful images that tell different stories and illustrate the meanings behind each design. Members of the Central Asian diaspora community generously lent us additional pieces, with each suzani sharing its family’s story.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about this ancient art or see more pictures from our project!
These ancient embroidery designs symbolize the sun, stars, and moon.
Embroidered pieces were part of a bride’s dowry, meant to protect her and her family from evil and illness.
The intricate needlework creates dancing lines that enchant the viewer and take you to a different world.
