"Oh, how it was since the beginning of time. Oh, God grant it!" by Oleh Bolyuk & Andriy Sendetskyy
2.5-foot pysanka
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The title of this artwork is a quote from a Ukrainian cosmogonic carol recorded in the village of Hruzke, Makariv district, Kyiv region.
The egg shape traditionally symbolizes the Universe. The round base represents the boundless Water from which, according to Divine Providence, the World emerged. The yellow-golden background hints at the land created from sea sand and also evokes the texture of sycamore wood — believed to grow in Iriy, the mythical ancestral homeland of all living beings, from where birds are said to return every spring.
The floral elements on the egg are inspired by traditional folk painting from the Yavoriv region in Lviv Oblast. Since the 18th century, this decorative style has been used to adorn wooden chests and toys. The central motif is the “verbyvka” — willow leaves and buds, reminiscent of the willow branches blessed on Palm Sunday.
The surface of the egg is divided into sections that illustrate major Ukrainian Christian and pre-Christian holidays:
- "Christmas/Koleda" (winter; Podillia): a nativity scene with a traditional "koza" (goat) and the Bethlehem star;
- "Resurrection of Christ/Dazhboh" (spring; Boikivshchyna): blessing of Easter breads (paskas) near a wooden Boiko church; a bouquet of “shutky” willow branches and traditional Easter eggs from Hutsul region (with deer motifs, Kosmach village), Lemkivshchyna (rose patterns), Podillia and the Dnipro region (forty-segment patterns);
- "Nativity of John the Baptist/Kupala Night" (summer; Volyn and Polissia): girls float flower wreaths on the water while people sing Kupala songs around a bonfire;
- "Dormition of the Virgin Mary/Harvest Festival" (autumn; Dnipro region, Slobozhanshchyna): celebration of the harvest and giving thanks.
Bio
Oleh: Doctor of Science in Art Studies; artist, lecturer in art history, drawing, and painting; researcher of folk and sacred art; academic director of the All-Ukrainian art project “PROSTO NEBYLYTSI” and the International art project “Art Axis”;member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and the International Association of Art (IAA) to UNESCO.
Andriy: Costume designer, scenographer, director; artistic director of the All-Ukrainian art project “PROSTO NEBYLYTSI” and the International art project “Art Axis”; member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and the International Association of Art (IAA) to UNESCO.
Technique
Crafted with precision, this 2.5-foot pysanka is molded from a durable, weather-resistant material, ensuring both longevity and resilience. The surface is carefully coated with plaster, then meticulously sanded to achieve a flawless, smooth finish, providing the perfect foundation for intricate decoration.
All pysanky sales are final!
Delivery: All pysanky purchases are to be collected in person at Southcentre Mall prior to 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 27. All pysanky purchased but not collected will be shipped at the purchaser's cost using standard shipping rates. Purchasers will be responsible for taxes, duties, and all other shipping-related costs. Purchasers outside Alberta will be contacted with delivery instructions after their purchase is confirmed.