ARTRIOTI — The Faces We Remember
A portrait of Leda Mileva — Bulgarian poet, writer, translator and one of the most beloved names in Bulgarian children’s literature.
Her work has accompanied generations of children, and „Зайченцето бяло“ remains one of those poems that almost everyone in Bulgaria remembers from childhood.
Simple, gentle and full of warmth, it has become part of our shared cultural memory — one of those verses that stay with us long after we grow up.
This original illustration is part of ARTRIOTI — my illustrated archive of the writers, artists, actors and musicians who left a lasting mark on Bulgarian culture.
WHY I DREW HER
I drew Леда Милева because some words become part of childhood itself.
„Зайченцето бяло“ is one of those poems — familiar, tender and instantly recognisable. It carries the feeling of being little, of learning verses by heart, of stories and rhymes passed from one generation to the next.
I wanted this piece to preserve that feeling — not only as nostalgia, but as a small reminder of the literature we grew up with.
I draw them so we don’t forget them.
THE PIECE
Original illustration by Svetlomira Minkova, created in Sofia as part of the ARTRIOTI series.
A piece of Bulgarian childhood memory — made to be worn, remembered and passed on.
Bulgarian culture, drawn to be remembered.
