One of the things I love about living in Aberdeenshire is that we're surrounded by the most spectacular examples of Celtic and Pictish art. Carved Pictish symbol stones are so common in parts of the countryside that some are just lying out on the ground, unprotected and open to all weathers. And of course they're the most wonderful inspiration for designs of all kinds
For example, here's a carved Pictish stone of a goose and a fish (although if you're a purist, it comes from Moray and not Aberdeenshire. Oh well, it's just a few miles further north)
The stone goose
And this is an embroidered version
The embroidered goose
I may have posted this particular goose a long time ago, although I can't find the post, so it might be new to the blog after all. In any case this is a new version of it. The stone carving is so simple and yet so graceful and well-observed that it's a natural to turn into embroidery – and indeed it would do well in many other media as well. It's one of a series of Pictish designs that I work on when I get the chance. I must get round to stitching them out some day
Hi Mia, I love the beauty and simplicity of the carved Pictish symbol stones Your embroidered Celtic swan is just awesome with the various stitches that you used in the embroidery.
I really like Pictish design it reminds me of what my ancestors would draw. They were Heron from what is now Ontario Canada
All I can say is Wow! Your rendition of the goose is wonderful. I look forward to seeing his fish friend!