Megan Zaniewski transforms the traditional craft of embroidery into breathtaking aquatic adventures, showcasing her affinity for wildlife through her meticulous art. Her creations capture the essence of animals like ducks, otters, and turtles, seemingly submerged in rich, textile waters. Using threads as her paint, she deftly stitches life into each animal, portraying them in dynamic scenes that evoke movement and vitality. Her pieces not only showcase her profound skill but also celebrate the natural world’s intricate beauty, as they reflect an untamed wilderness captured in the contrast of textures and hues.
Zaniewski’s passion for embroidery traces back to her childhood, inspired by personal family connections to this craft. Upon rediscovering her needlework supplies, she sat down with just a needle and thread to resume her exploration into artistry. What began as small landscapes from cherished locations evolved into a vibrant journey of animal depiction, driven by her love for the flora and fauna. This art form challenged and charmed her, as she strives to materialize the complex beauty of wildlife with an eye for intricate detail, bringing every animal to life in a colorful dance beneath threads of water.
My exposure to hand embroidery began early, thanks to my mom and grandmother, who were both skilled at needlework. A couple of years ago I rediscovered some embroidery supplies tucked away and decided to make a few small embroidered landscapes of places we had visited. It quickly became my preferred art form…I enjoy the challenge of creating animated and detailed animal portraits with just the simple tools of a needle and thread, bringing them to life stitch by stitch.
Megan Zaniewski
