Traditional Embroidered Cotton and Viscose Pillow Sham - Heart of the Garden

Artisan Organization: Zarina Xamidova

Country: Silk Road

"My name is Zarina Xamidova, a passionate artist and embroidery enthusiast hailing from the beautiful city of Bukhara. Allow me to take you on a journey through my life, filled with love, loss, and unwavering determination.

"As a child, I experienced the heart-wrenching loss of my mother, creating a void that echoed through my entire childhood. Yearning for her presence, I found solace in the art of embroidery, specifically the traditional Uzbek craft known as Suzani. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of an incredible lifelong journey.

"In our culture, when a girl child is born, her dowry is meticulously prepared over the years. Even at a tender age of one, my mother started sewing Suzani for my future dowry. However, fate had different plans for us, and my father remarried. It was my second mother who wholeheartedly embraced the art of Suzani, continuing the legacy of my mother and nurturing my own skills. It was during this time that my passion for embroidery truly ignited.

"Suzani, the intricate embroidery cherished by the Uzbek nation, has always captivated me with its breathtaking patterns and profound symbolism. Taking inspiration from the diverse colors of our surroundings, I have proudly become a designer of my own Suzanis, infusing each piece with my unique creativity. Looking towards the future, my dream is to establish my own brand and curate a magnificent Suzani collection, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

"Embroidery is a craft that demands both immense effort and unwavering patience. It is not for the faint of heart, but through sheer dedication, I have achieved tremendous success in my life. I established my own workshop, where I have had the privilege of teaching over 100 eager students the art of embroidery. What truly inspires me is that among my students, there are individuals who are actually older than me. Together, we empower one another and help struggling families in our community.

"Life has also presented me with numerous challenges, including the discovery that my daughter has limited options in life. It was a heartbreaking moment when, at just five months old, her development ceased. Yet, with incredible resilience, I refuse to be defeated. Each day, I find solace in the hope of her recovery, strongly believing in our proverb that '15 days of the month are dark, 15 days are bright.' In other words, brighter days will surely come.

"So, that's a glimpse into my life as an artist and advocate for the exquisite art of embroidery. With every stitch and every creation, I pour my heart and soul into preserving our cultural heritage, and in doing so, I am reminded of the boundless strength that lies within us all. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I invite you to explore the magical world of Suzani with me.""