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Pysanky For Ukraine
#03. Vytynanka Paper Cutting: The Tree of Life - Iryna Shevchenko - Tuesday July 21st - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
$0.00
Workshop Summary:
Step into the world of Vytynanka, the traditional Ukrainian art of intricate paper cutting, in this creative and culturally rich workshop. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, Vytynanka was used to decorate homes with delicate scenes featuring plant motifs, birds, and especially the iconic Tree of Life. This timeless craft offers a unique way to connect with Ukrainian history and gain insight into the worldview of our ancestors.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the basics of Vytynanka technique and design your own “Tree of Life” artwork. Guided by tradition and your own creativity, you’ll transform a simple sheet of paper into a meaningful, decorative piece. The process is both meditative and satisfying, offering a relaxing escape as you cut, shape, and reveal your design.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a completed Tree of Life Vytynanka and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful art form and its cultural heritage.
What’s Provided:
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Colorful paper
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scissors
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Colorful cardstock
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Glue sticks
What to Bring:
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a pencil
Maximum Number of Students: 25 students
Workshop Fee: $40 CAD per student
Please bring $40 CAD in cash, placed in an envelope with your name and the instructor’s name written on it, to the start of class.
About Iryna (Eereen) Shevchenko:
I am a Ukrainian artist and folk art practitioner working with traditional techniques, preserving their core principles while combining them with a contemporary vision. My artistic journey began as an attempt to express emotions through visual work, and later deepened through formal higher education in fine arts. During my studies, I became especially interested in ornament, rhythm, and narrative imagery, which gradually led me to a deeper exploration of Ukrainian decorative traditions.
My primary artistic focus isPetrykivka painting. Its rich floral language, abundance of blooming forms, and bright, pure colors have shaped the foundation of my visual thinking and continue to influence my approach to composition and line.
I have practiced pysankarstvo since childhood, as it is our family tradition. My deeper research into symbolism and historical context of Pysanka began in 2023, expanding my understanding of pysanky as both a cultural language and a visual system.
Vytynanka became a natural continuation of my exploration of Ukrainian folk culture. Traditionally created in black or white, Vytynanka frees me from color decisions and allows me to fully immerse myself in paper forms, symmetry, rhythm, and balance. Through the process of cutting, I explore structure, repetition, and quiet focus.
In my workshops, I emphasize not only cutting techniques, but also attentiveness to the process, working with rhythm, and developing a tactile connection with the material. My goal is to make traditional art accessible, alive, and meaningful, and to show how simple tools can be used to create thoughtful and expressive works.