Anybody who reads this blog will know that I have a major obsession with birds. There are just so many things you can do with a bird’s image - it can be dramatic, artistic, colourful or natural, and still look good. So at the moment I’m working on several new collections of birds of different kinds, and here are two of my recent “Comic Birds”. They both started life as herons, as you can see, but they’ve rather developed into comic creatures
Maybe an ex-blue heron?
Yes, who would meddle with him, indeed!
Rather to my surprise, I sold that last grey heron at a recent exhibition. It was bought by an elderly Scots lady who for some reason took a strong liking to it. However she wanted me to add something to it - she wanted me to embroider the words “Fa wud meddle wi’ me?” underneath it. And if, like me, you’re not all that familiar with the Doric dialect (which is spoken in Northeast Scotland), apparently that means “Who would meddle with me?” said in a warning, aggressive tone of voice
The blue bird is delightful, joyous and ready to dance I think. Such a happy bird. It must be a male all dressed up for attracting the ladies.
The gray one is showing his power, showing his attack stance, ready to charge.
You do a great job giving them personality. I can see why the lady wanted that written on it. That is what I like to do with a lot of the items I sew.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Vaias | 11/02/2024 at 01:23 PM
Love these stylized birds, Mia!!! Great job and great creativity. I steer away from comic animals, but not these. And that lady was right on! Don't meddle with me is right. Keep up the wonderful work.
Posted by: Sunny | 11/02/2024 at 03:35 PM
LOVE these! As always, you instill humor in your creatures without making them the saccharine, whimsical kind. Yours have character! (And some are real characters!) I can't wait until these are up for sharing. In the meantime, I visited Secrets of Embroidery tonight and was thrilled to see your amazing Zentangle Zodiac!! Everything on sale too? I don't see how you can sell your creations at such low prices - there's so much work in them - but must admit I took advantage of the sale and bought four sets! Thank you for making all this available, Mia. Your work is simply unique & I love it all.
Posted by: Suzanne | 11/03/2024 at 01:24 AM
Both of these birds are absolutely delightful. I can almost see them framed and hanging on my wall already :}
Posted by: Deb F | 11/10/2024 at 11:17 PM
I love these birds!!
Posted by: Mirjam | 11/24/2024 at 08:36 AM