"Scarlet Reverence" by Bohdan Shevchenko

This stunning pysanka, created using the traditional dryapanka technique, speaks to the enduring strength and sacrifices of the Ukrainian people. Set against a vivid crimson background, intricate gladiolus blossoms emerge through delicate scratches, their elegant petals and graceful leaves revealed by the artist’s steady hand. The contrast between the bold red and the precise white etching highlights both the fragility and resilience captured within this timeless art form.

The dryapanka technique involves carefully scratching away layers of dye to expose the natural shell beneath, requiring patience, precision, and a deep understanding of composition. Each flower is meticulously detailed, its flowing form evoking movement, as if swaying in an unseen breeze. The gladiolus, a symbol of strength and perseverance, becomes a poignant tribute to the beauty that endures even in the face of adversity.

More than just an artwork, this pysanka carries deep cultural symbolism. The harmonious interplay of bold color and fine detailing reflects not only nature’s elegance but also the unbreakable spirit of the people it honors. Through this masterful piece, tradition, resilience, and artistic excellence come together in a breathtaking celebration of life and heritage.

Bio

Bohdan Shevchenko is an artist whose creative journey is deeply rooted in both Ukrainian tradition and contemporary artistic expression. Born in Vasylkiv, Ukraine, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of fine arts. Throughout his academic career, Bohdan’s passion for art was evident, from his early involvement in the “Pysanka” club during his secondary school years to his formal education. He graduated from an art school with a focus on “Fine Arts,” later earning a qualification as a teacher of fine arts from the Kyiv Pedagogical Institute named after B. Hrinchenko.

For Bohdan, art is not merely a profession, but a lifelong devotion. He works across a variety of mediums, including pen and ink drawing, pysanka creation, and dryapanka—a technique in which he intricately scratches designs onto eggshells. Specializing in goose and ostrich eggs, his dryapanka works are characterized by delicate, precise etchings that depict natural motifs such as flowers, animals, and architecture.

Bohdan’s work is showcased in festivals and exhibitions, and he has been a notable participant in the All-Ukrainian Pysanka Festival in 2016-2017. His commitment to preserving and advancing the art form also extends to his role as an educator, leading workshops in Lviv and Kyiv, where he shares his knowledge of dryapanka and other traditional Ukrainian arts.

Today, Bohdan Shevchenko’s intricate, timeless works are celebrated for their technical precision and deep cultural significance. His dryapanka pieces, created with exceptional craftsmanship and care, capture the beauty of Ukraine’s natural world and architectural heritage, making them valuable not only as art but as symbols of a rich and enduring cultural legacy.

Technique

The dryapanka technique is another intricate and time-consuming method, though it differs from etching and carving. In dryapanka, the artist works by layering dyes and then carefully scratching or scraping the surface to reveal the lighter color beneath, creating fine, detailed patterns and designs.

Here’s a breakdown of the time it takes to create a complex dryapanka pysanka:

1. Preparation: Like any pysanka, the egg must be cleaned and prepared carefully to ensure a smooth surface, which can take multiple hours. If the egg is to be dyed multiple times, it may also need to be sealed before starting the design.
2. Dyeing: The artist applies multiple layers of dye in specific areas, one layer at a time, and allows each to dry before adding the next, taking up to a day, depending on the dye.
3. Scratching and Revealing: The dryapanka technique relies on scratching the dye away from the egg’s surface to reveal the lighter color beneath (usually white). This step requires significant patience and control, as the artist needs to carefully scratch out fine details without breaking the eggshell. For a detailed design, this process can take 40 hours, depending on the intricacy of the patterns.
4. Finishing Touches: Once the design is complete, the egg may need further refinement, including cleaning, sealing, or adding finishing details to enhance the overall appearance. This may add another day.

Overall, for a complex dryapanka pysanka, the entire process may take 60-80 hours, or even longer, depending on the intricacy of the design and the size of the egg. This technique requires not only skill and artistry but also immense patience, as every step must be carefully executed to achieve the final result.

All pysanky sales are final!

Type: Ostrich egg shell; fully emptied and thermally processed. Dryapanka technique used in creation of the pysanka.

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.