"The Unfolding" by Pysanochka

This pysanka is a radiant example of Petrykivka painting, a traditional Ukrainian folk art known for its expressive floral motifs and flowing, organic compositions. Originating in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Petrykivka painting is characterized by intricate depictions of flowers, leaves, and ornamental elements, often in vivid colors that symbolize prosperity, happiness, and protection. Unlike traditional pysanky created with the wax-resist technique, Petrykivka pysanky are meticulously hand-painted, showcasing the artist’s freehand brushwork and mastery of color blending.

This particular pysanka features bold, golden-yellow flowers with rich orange shading, their delicate petals radiating outward from vibrant purple and black centers. Tiny blue and white accents add striking contrast, while deep burgundy stems and swirling tendrils weave throughout the composition, creating a sense of movement and natural flow. The floral elements are interspersed with soft lavender blossoms, adding depth and harmony to the design. Each petal and leaf is rendered with precise, feathery brush strokes, a hallmark of Petrykivka artistry, achieved using specialized fine brushes.

The meticulous details and dynamic arrangement of elements give this pysanka a lively, almost three-dimensional quality. Displayed on a wooden stand, it serves as both a decorative masterpiece and a symbol of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The fusion of Petrykivka painting with pysanka artistry ensures that this vibrant folk tradition continues to inspire, preserving its beauty and symbolism for future generations.

Bio

The artists are a husband and wife duo, both of whom are elderly, with deteriorating sight. Both have been pysanky writers for over 35 years. They are located in Ukraine

Technique

The art of writing pysanky in the Petrykivka style combines two deeply rooted Ukrainian traditions: the ancient wax-resist technique of pysanka-making and the vibrant floral motifs of Petrykivka painting. Originating from the Dnipropetrovsk region, Petrykivka painting is known for its intricate flowers, leaves, and stylized birds, often executed in bright colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue. These motifs symbolize prosperity, happiness, and protection against evil spirits  .

When applied to pysanky, Petrykivka designs transform the traditional egg into a dynamic, free-flowing work of art, rich with meaning and spiritual depth. Unlike traditional pysanka patterns, which emphasize geometric symmetry, Petrykivka pysanky embrace fluidity, movement, and organic compositions, reflecting the beauty of nature. The process is labor-intensive, requiring not only the wax-resist method but also the mastery of freehand brushwork, sometimes using specialized brushes made from cat fur to achieve delicate details .

Petrykivka pysanky are a modern evolution of Ukrainian heritage, merging folk symbolism with expressive artistic techniques, ensuring that this treasured tradition remains alive and continues to inspire new generations

All pysanky sales are final!

Type: Goose egg shell; fully emptied and thermally processed. Written using Pterykivka technique

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.