Avian Oasis
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Project Details
Year:
2024
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Project Description
Avian Oasis is a sculptural textile series dedicated exclusively to hummingbirds. The project began from a desire to work with real-life colour palettes drawn from specific hummingbird species — birds that are not only striking in form but also ecologically fragile.
This series explores how embroidery and fabric manipulation can translate the iridescent colours, tension, and movement of these birds into small-scale, wearable sculptures. Each design starts with observation, not stylisation — built to honour what already exists in nature.
About the Design
Hummingbird Spreading Wings defines the direction of the Avian Oasis series — both in structure and intent. The pose captures the bird mid-flight: wings fully extended, tail raised, creating a sense of upward momentum and focus.
The composition is based on close visual references to real hummingbirds. The colour palette is drawn from actual species, chosen to reflect the contrast and shimmer seen in their plumage. This design set the tone for how I approach scale, materials, and movement throughout the series.
Materials and Techniques
Each Hummingbird Spreading Wings piece is a textile sculpture representing a specific species of hummingbird. It is built entirely by hand using natural fabrics — primarily silk and chiffon — that are treated to hold shape while remaining lightweight.
The wings, tail, and body are individually shaped and assembled to form a three-dimensional structure. Specific areas are reinforced using controlled stiffening methods. Beads and sequins are sewn into the body and shoulder area, creating a layered surface that reflects light and adds depth — echoing the iridescence seen in actual hummingbirds.
Each piece requires approximately four full days of focused studio work.
Wearable Sculpture – The Brooch Format
Hummingbird Spreading Wings is not only a textile sculpture — it also functions as a hummingbird brooch. The piece is lightweight and balanced, allowing it to be worn on garments, hats, or accessories without compromising its structure.
The brooch back is securely mounted to support wearability, while keeping the attachment discreet from the front view. This format allows the work to exist in dual contexts: as a sculptural textile object for display, and as a wearable statement piece.
Display Options – Framed Textile Work
The hummingbird brooch can also be presented as a framed textile artwork. Two ready-to-display formats are available:
- Small Frame – 15×15 cm
A minimal, black velvet background. Suitable for shelf or tabletop display. - Large Frame – 25×25×5 cm
Features a velvet background with an original hand-embroidered hibiscus motif. Designed as a full display piece for wall installation.
In both formats, the bird remains removable. This flexibility allows for wear or display, depending on context.
Overview
Avian Oasis is a sculptural textile series by Ksenia Semirova, dedicated to the observation and reconstruction of real hummingbird species through hand embroidery and fabric manipulation. The series explores how fragility, precision, and tension can be expressed through small-scale, wearable forms.
Rather than stylising the birds or using them symbolically, Ksenia Semirova closely studies their anatomy and colouration — translating what she sees into layered textile structures. Each piece captures the moment a hummingbird appears weightless in flight, with extended wings, lifted tail, and a posture suspended between motion and stillness.
The works are constructed from natural silk and chiffon, treated to create volume and rigidity, then assembled entirely by hand. Light is reflected through carefully stitched beads and sequins, echoing the iridescent qualities of real plumage. Though mounted as brooches, the pieces also function as sculptural textile compositions, designed to be worn or displayed as wall-mounted artworks — bridging personal adornment and contemporary object-based practice.
Pre-Order a Limited-Edition Textile Hummingbird
Pre-ordering gives you access to limited-edition works from the Avian Oasis series before they are publicly released. Each piece is designed and created by Ksenia Semirova, with the species, composition, and colour palette selected in the studio.
Pre-orders are not custom requests, but a way to receive a finished textile hummingbird in one of three formats: as a brooch, in a small frame, or in a large frame with embroidered background. These releases are often tied to seasonal work, exhibitions, or special events. Availability is limited.
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