masterfile/blend images S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 9
Alberta
Around
The
PYSANKA
CODE
Ukrainian Easter eggs, or pysanky, may be admired for their ornate,
mosaic-like designs and vibrant colours, but they're much more
than just pretty. "First, they're not actually painted," says Edmonton
pysanka artist Tanya Bidulka, "they're written." Each pattern and
colour is symbolic, and the intricate designs, which the artists pen
in beeswax, carry specific messages. "A circle that goes around the
entire egg means eternal life," says Bidulka. Green represents
spring, new growth and hope, and yellow means light, purity
and happiness. "It's a bit of a dying art," says Bidulka, but the
Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts in Edmonton and
Kensington Art Supply in Calgary are committed to
preserving the tradition. Both offer pysanka
workshops in March. acuarts.ca;
kensingtonartsupply.com
–Shauna Rudd
