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Pysanky For Ukraine
#15. Symbols on Traditional Pysanky - Oksana Bilous - Wednesday July 22nd - 3:30PM to 5:30PM
$0.00
Workshop Summary:
This workshop will be in Ukrainian using an English translator.
What does “Traditional Folk Pysanka” mean to you? For many, it’s the quiet magic of working by candlelight, the scent of beeswax, and the joy of letting designs flow naturally—just as generations before us have done. In this special workshop, Oksana Bilous invites you to step back in time and experience the art of pysanky as it was practiced long before modern tools arrived.
In this class, Oksana will talk about pysanka as a phenomenon of culture, sharing the meaning of different writings in ancient times and exploring the main symbols—tree of life, circles, triangles, dots, lines, stars, animals, birds, and more. You’ll learn ways to build several complex traditional designs, such as gypsy roads, sakwa, and sorokoklin, and then write one of these traditional pysanky of your choice.
Oksana will guide you through the process of crafting pysanky using candle-heated kistky, focusing on authentic techniques and the beauty of spontaneous, pencil-free design. You’ll work with both natural dyes and the vibrant palette from Ukrainian EggCessories, learning about traditional motifs and the stories they carry.
This workshop is about more than technique—it’s a celebration of Ukrainian folk heritage, a chance to slow down and connect with the roots of this cherished art form. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering pysanky for the first time, you’ll leave with a finished egg and a deeper appreciation for the timelessness of this craft.
Oksana will demonstrate her technique, so bring your camera, take photos, videos, and ask lots of questions. She’ll be happy to share her knowledge of all things pysanky.
What’s Provided:
- Eggs, dyes, and all necessary materials
- Instruction from Oksana Bilous
- Access to both natural and vibrant dye palettes
What to Bring:
- Your favorite píčok (kistka), beeswax
- Camera or phone for photos and videos (optional)
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 Oksana Bilous:
Oksana Bilous is an acclaimed Ukrainian pysankarka known for her mastery of both traditional and innovative egg decorating techniques, including etching, cutting, and mixed methods on various bird eggs. Born in Kyiv in 1965, she holds a degree in geography and biology education and has been a leader in the pysanky community, co-authoring influential instructional books and curating major collections of Ukrainian folk pysanky. Her works have been exhibited internationally, and she is recognized as an Honoured Master of Folk Art of Ukraine. Oksana is also the founder of “The Workshop of Oksana Bilous,” where she teaches and shares Ukrainian decorative arts with students of all ages.