This embroidery is called “Purple Nevsky Bird” after some drawings I did in the Alexander Nevsky cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria many years ago. I’ve tried to capture the elaborate wooden gilded carvings that decorated the cathedral interior. We were on a tour of many artistic and cultural sights, and there was so much to see. I did end up sketching little snatches of things as I went along. I still have the sketchbook many years later and it seemed to capture the ephemeral nature of travel and seeing glimpses into other lives.  This piece is purple silk dupion with gold machine stitching, gold lame and purple silk applique and lots of sequins. I wanted to to express the rich luxury of the architecture.

This piece is now SOLD to a lovely lady in the USA.