Avilys 15

Description

Avilys 15

Wayy back 10 years ago in January, I inked 20 4×4″ illustrations of honeybees in traditional Lithuanian clothing, and then painted them in watercolors in March. I called this series “Avilys”, meaning “beehive” in Lithuanian: a meditation on my feelings about being of Lithuanian descent in America. Bees have a special significance in Lithuanian history, and feature prominently in their language and stories. Each bee is unique and depicts an aspect of culture, food, or history!

Avilys 15: This bee is wearing clothes from the Aukštaitija (highlands) region: a long colorful skirt, apron, long shirts with red embroidery and ornamentation. Skirts could be made from either linen or wool, but always needed an apron over the top! Bodices were often woven in striped, curved, or clover patterns. Some even featured more Western designs and patterns!

For more information on Lithuanian folk clothing, please check out these sites!