"Windmill of Hope" by Iryna Parypa

Made in Ukraine

This pysanka is written on a goose egg using traditional techniques, a beautiful demonstration of expert craftsmanship that honors centuries of cultural heritage and symbolic significance. The egg was carefully chosen for its smooth surface and durability before undergoing the delicate process of being decorated with intricate designs. A kistka (stylus) was used to apply hot wax to the egg’s surface, and the egg was dipped in blue, yellow, and white dyes. Each layer of dye was applied slowly, with the wax protecting certain areas from color, resulting in complex, stunning motifs.

The use of blue, yellow, and white in this design carries rich cultural meaning. Blue represents the sky and eternity, yellow symbolizes the sun, fertility, and abundance, and white stands for purity and light. These colors, combined with intricate floral and geometric patterns, evoke themes of life, prosperity, and spiritual protection, all of which are deeply embedded in Ukrainian traditions.

The process of creating this pysanka is time-consuming and requires both precision and patience. Duck eggs present a unique challenge due to their larger size and tougher shell, making the task even more remarkable. This pysanka is not just an art piece; it is a testament to Ukrainian heritage, filled with symbolism and a reflection of the deep cultural values passed down through generations.

Bio

Iryna is a contemporary Ukrainian pysanka artist from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, whose work preserves and advances one of Ukraine’s most treasured art forms. A graduate of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University with degrees in biology and psychology, she has also studied positive psychotherapy. Her pysanky have been featured in prestigious exhibitions, international competitions, and annual festivals, earning her numerous awards. In 2012, she held her first solo exhibition at the Bastion gallery in Ivano-Frankivsk, and in 2023, she was honored with the Order of Myroslav Antonovych for her outstanding contribution to the revival and development of Ukrainian traditional art.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Iryna is deeply engaged in humanitarian work, volunteering as a clinical psychologist at a hospital and a social-psychological rehabilitation center for severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers who have lost limbs in combat. As Ukraine continues its struggle for survival, her dedication to both artistic and psychological healing reflects the resilience of a nation that refuses to be broken. Her story is a reminder that the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and the support of its people are more vital than ever.

Technique

Traditional Ukrainian pysanky are created using a meticulous and highly labor-intensive wax-resist (batik) dyeing process. The technique involves writing intricate designs onto an egg using a stylus called a kistka, which applies melted beeswax to preserve specific areas of color. The egg is then repeatedly dipped into progressively darker dyes, with more wax applied between layers to create multi-colored patterns. Finally, the wax is melted off to reveal the completed design.

The time required to complete a pysanka varies depending on the complexity of the design. A skilled artist may take 15 hours to complete a detailed pysanka on a chicken egg, while a larger goose egg can take up to 20 hours or more due to its greater surface area. 

All pysanky sales are final!

Type: Goose egg shell; fully emptied and thermally processed. Written using wax and dyes

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.