Turkeys.Between Memory and Presence

April 22, 2026

Turkeys have fascinated me since childhood. I remember going with my grandmother, Nastia, to visit her sister, my aunt Maria Mosyuchka, where turkeys lived on the property. They often sat in the trees above the garage, and I always wondered: how can such large birds even fly? They both attracted and slightly frightened me — with their sounds, movements, and strong character. They could also bite. There was something unpredictable and very alive about them.

This image stayed with me for a long time. Recently, I came back to it and tried painting turkeys again, but I still felt I was searching for their true presence.

Now, while working on a series of large bird paintings, and during a trip to my favourite place, Niagara-on-the-Lake, I saw a big flock of wild turkeys. That moment made me realize I wanted to return to them and paint them the way I truly see and feel them.

This work — watercolour and ink, 41 × 39 inches — became a long process of exploration. I was interested in everything: how to show their full, rich tails, their textures, their dense forms, and at the same time their light movement. I worked in an experimental way, sometimes letting the material guide me.

This is a very personal piece, built from memory and observation. I hope it brings a sense of living presence to the person who will live with it.

You can purchase the work here: https://shop.myroslavaboikivart.com/products/turkeys-between-memory-and-presence

Turkeys. Between Memory and Presence.

shop.myroslavaboikivart.com

Індики захоплювали мене ще з дитинства.

Я пам’ятаю, як ми з бабцею Настею йшли до її сестри, моєї тети Марії Мосючки, і у неї там жили індики. Вони часто сиділи на деревах над гаражем, і я постійно думала: як такі великі птахи взагалі можуть літати? Вони одночасно притягували і трохи лякали мене — своїми звуками, рухами, характером. Вони могли і кусати. У них було щось непередбачуване, живе. Цей образ залишився зі мною надовго.

Я не так давно повернулася до нього, спробувала малювати індиків знову, але відчувала, що ще не зовсім знайшла їх. І вже тепер, коли я почала працювати над серіями птахів великих розмірів, і під час поїздки до мого улюбленого міста Niagara-on-the-Lake я побачила там велику зграю диких індиків і зрозуміла, що хочу повернутись саме до них, і що я готова намалювати їх виразно, так, як вони постають у моїй уяві.

Ця робота - акварель і туш, 41 × 39 in. — стала для мене безмежним процесом пошуку. Мене захоплювало все: як передати їхні пишні хвости, текстури, щільність форм і водночас легкість руху. Я працювала через експерименти, дозволяючи матеріалу інтуїтивно вести мене. Це дуже особиста робота, яка виросла з пам’яті й тривалого внутрішнього спостереження. І я сподіваюся, що вона передасть це відчуття живої присутності тому, хто стане її власником і буде з нею поруч.

"Colourful Chickens" at the "Royal Watercolour Society Open 2026"

March 01, 2026

My Colourful Chickens at the Royal Watercolour Society Open 2026

I’m excited to share that my work Colourful Chickens is currently on display at the Royal Watercolour Society Open 2026 at the Bankside Gallery in London. The exhibition opened on 27 February and runs until 15 March.

It’s a great honour to be part of this prestigious show, run by the oldest watercolour society in the world — the Royal Watercolour Society — which turns 222 this year. This was also my first visit to London, and the city left a strong and uplifting impression. The gallery is right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from the well‑known Tate Modern.

The selection process was very thorough: professional, practicing artists chose works from thousands of submissions from around the world. This year’s judges included @bobandrobertasmith (Bob and Roberta Smith RA), Siphiwe Mnguni, Charles Williams PRWS, Akash Bhatt RWS, and Caroline Cornelius RWS. I feel very lucky that my chickens were chosen among such talented international artists.

My Colourful Chickens are inspired by the simple and honest life in the small village of Kovalivka in Western Ukraine. They are painted in watercolour with ink and a salt effect, in a variety of colours, each with its own personality, pose, and movement. The large painting is displayed on a separate wall, immediately catching visitors’ attention and often bringing a smile. Getting the work from Toronto to London was not easy, but it was worth it.

If you’re in London, please visit Bankside Gallery to see the exhibition in person.

This experience encourages me to keep painting and to continue exploring village life in contemporary watercolour, combining traditional elements with new approaches and techniques.

Weaving Workshop for Beginners

October 30, 2025

This is the first introductory video about how to create a tapestry. In this beginner weaving workshop, Myroslava teaches viewers the fundamental techniques involved in tapestry weaving. This includes showing how to stretch the warp, which threads to choose, how to start weaving, and how to secure and finish the threads. This practical guide will give students the basic skills required to get started in weaving and provide them the capacity to begin their own creative journey. Let’s weave together!

Kosiv Bazaar. Косівський базар. In the heart of Toronto.

September 18, 2025

Kosiv Bazaar. A Living Archive of the Carpathians. In the heart of Toronto.

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, presents the exhibition “Kosiv Bazaar. A Living Archive of the Carpathians.” Based on the private collection of Leonard Krawchuk, the exhibition embraces the Hutsul region and, in part, neighbouring Pokuttia and Bukovyna. Visitors are invited to step into the vibrant world of the Carpathians — their artistic traditions, masterful craftsmanship, and unique aesthetic.

I am honoured to serve as a guest curator of this exhibition, together with exhibition designer Anna Harasym. For me, this project is both deeply meaningful and a great responsibility, as it is not only about objects but also about my native Hutsul region. Each item holds the stories of masters and artists, many of whom I personally knew or still know. It is a living memory and the enduring spirit of the Carpathians, resonating strongly today.

The exhibition brings together three key areas of Carpathian folk crafts:

Kosiv Painted Ceramics (inscribed in 2019 on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity). On display are decorative plates and tiles, candlesticks, vases, figurines, and traditional clay whistles. Among the masters are renowned artists such as Pavlyna Tsvilyk, Nadiia Verbivs’ka, and Vasylʼ Shvetsʼ

Woodworking — carving, inlay, and pyrography. Exhibits include candlesticks, boxes, plates, belts, frames, and other works by distinguished masters and dynasties such as D. Shkriblyak, Mykola and Vasylʼ Hrepinyak, V. Voronchak, among others.

Metalwork (Brass Casting and Ornamentation). Most of these pieces were created by a single master, Roman Strynadiuk of Kosiv. The collection features men’s and women’s adornments (necklaces, crosses, rings, earrings), as well as household and utilitarian items such as leather bags (tobivkas), traditional shoes (postoly), powder flasks, hunting knives, axes, pipes, nutcrackers, and more.

The exhibition also features unique artifacts, including a wedding wreath from the village of Velykyi Kliuchiv (created by P. Kushliak), an Easter egg made by soldier O. Kirashchuk from Kolomyia, as well as a gallery of paintings and graphics that enrich the vision of Hutsul colour and identity. Featured are works by artists inspired by Hutsul culture, including V. Kasiian, S. Gebus-Baranetska, A. Kotska, M. Ostapiuk, I. Loboda, V. Patyk, I. Gutorov, N. Chornova, Y. Lesyuk, M. Varenia, B. Borzemskyi, Y. Bokshai, S. Kyriienko, Sh. Balas.
The exhibition also presents archival photographs of the Kosiv market alongside contemporary photography by Svitlana and Mykola Yatsurak.

The exhibition unfolds in two sections. The first recreates the energy and atmosphere of the Kosiv bazaar itself — its colours, diversity, and vibrancy. The second has the character of a gallery, where each work can be observed individually, allowing visitors to study it in greater depth. Visitors can also explore beautifully curated albums devoted to these crafts.

Kosiv Bazaar in Toronto is not simply an exhibition but a living archive — an opportunity to feel how tradition continues to live, inspire, and speak, this time to a diverse, multicultural Canadian audience.

The exhibition is on view at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, 620 Spadina Avenue.
Do not miss the chance to see the Carpathians through the creative lens of masters and artists!

With gratitude for trust and collaboration:

Tamara Ivanochko — Executive Administrator
Larysa Hrycyna — President, Board of Directors
Andrew Waller — Preparator
Marta Bozdek — photography of the collection
Olena Voznesenska – Young Canada Works intern

To all volunteers:
Derrick Ng, Mykhailo Sukmaniuk,
and many more — for their dedicated work on this exhibition.

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors:
SUS Foundation of Canada, Shevchenko Foundation, Temerty Foundation, Kalimin Foundation, Franko Family Foundation, Ukrainian Credit Union Limited, St. Volodymyr Institute, Government of Canada, and Government of Ontario.

Косівський базар. Живий архів Kарпат. У центрі Торонто.

В Українському музеї Канади, філія Онтаріо, відкрито виставку «Косівський базар. Живий архів Карпат. Вона створена на основі приватної колекції Леонарда Кравчука й охоплює Гуцульщину та частково сусідні регіони Покуття й Буковину. Виставка запрошує глядачів у світ колоритних Карпат — їхніх мистецьких традицій, майстерності та неповторної естетики.

Маю честь бути запрошеною кураторкою цієї виставки разом із дизайнеркою Анною Гарасим. Для мене ця подія особлива й відповідальна, адже це не просто експонати, а розповідь про рідну мені Гуцульщину. У кожній речі — історії майстрів і художників, багатьох з яких я особисто знала чи знаю. Це жива пам’ять і дух Гуцульщини, що продовжує дзвінко звучати сьогодні.

Виставка об’єднує три ключові напрями народних ремесел Карпат.

Косівська мальована кераміка (внесена у 2019 році до списку нематеріальної спадщини ЮНЕСКО). На виставці можна побачити декоративні тарелі та кахлі, підсвічники, вази, скульптурки, іграшки-свистунці. Серед авторів — знані майстри: Павлина Цвілик, Надія Вербівська, Василь Швець.

Деревообробництво: різьблення, інкрустація, випалювання. Представлені свічники, шкатулки, тарелі, пасківники, рами та інші вироби майстрів і династій: Д. Шкрібляк, Микола та Василь Грепіняки, В. Ворончак та інші.

Металообробництво (мосяжництво). Більшість експонатів створено одним автором — Романом Стринадюком із Косова. Тут представлені чоловічі та жіночі прикраси (зґарди, хрести, персні, ковтки), а також предмети побуту: сумки-тобівки, постоли, порохівниці, мисливські ножі, бардки, люльки, лускоріхи тощо.

На виставці також можна побачити весільний вінок із села Великий Ключів (автор П. Кушляк), писанку, створену воїном О. Кіращуком із Коломиї, а також галерею живопису і графіки, що підсилює уявлення про колорит Гуцульщини. Тут представлені твори художників, натхненних цим краєм: В. Касіян, С. Ґебус-Баранецька, А. Коцка, М. Остап’юк, І. Лобода, В. Патик, І. Гуторов, Н. Чорнова, Ю. Лесюк, М. Варення, Б. Борземський, Й. Бокшай, С. Кирієнко, Ш. Балас. Також експонуються архівні фотографії базару й сучасні світлини авторства Світлани та Миколи Яцураків.

Виставка розгортається у двох секторах. Перший сектор відтворює атмосферу самого косівського базару: енергія, колір, різноманітність і колорит у всій повноті. Другий сектор має характер галереї — тут твори подані окремо, з можливістю уважно розглянути кожен експонат і дізнатися більше про нього. Є також чудові альбоми для перегляду, присвячені цим видам ремесел.

«Косівський базар» у Торонто — це не просто виставка, а живий архів. Це нагода відчути, як традиція продовжує жити, надихати й промовляти — цього разу до багатонаціональної аудиторії в Канаді.

Виставку можна відвідати в Українському музеї Канади, філія Онтаріо, 620 Spadina Avenue.

Не пропустіть можливість побачити Карпати через творчу призму майстрів і художників!

Дякую за довіру і співпрацю!

Lots of Hens. Дуже багато курей.

September 12, 2025

My new work is a large panel featuring many hens, created with ink, watercolour, and salt. The idea came to me suddenly when I saw a painting of butterflies by Hunt Slonem (huntslonem.com) at a restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It struck me instantly because I also love painting birds — hens, bees, bumblebees — all the creatures that surrounded me in my childhood in the Ukrainian Carpathians and always filled me with wonder.

For me, nature is more than inspiration; it is an endless spiritual space. My teacher, Bohdan Bodnaruk, used to say: “When you don’t know how to paint, look to nature.” These words guide every one of my works.

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by Hutsul folk art — the painted designs, ceramics, and embroidered towels of my grandmother Anna, where birds often appeared. In these simple forms, there is a whole universe of symbols that I still feel today.

I am drawn to Slonem’s simplicity — it captures attention without explanation. Similarly, in my watercolours of hens, birds, and bees, I see how these images evoke emotions and associations in viewers. People often share their stories, recalling moments in life connected to these creatures. I experiment with paper, watercolour, and ink, but the images remain simple, expressive, and easy to understand.

This work is about life and the simple, harmonious things that always find their way to the heart.

Дуже багато курей.

Моя нова робота — велике панно з безліччю курей. Туш, акварель і сіль. Ідея народилася спонтанно, блискавично, коли я побачила картину з метеликами Слонема huntslonem.com в ресторані в Niagara-on-the-Lake. Вона миттєво відгукнулася у мені, бо я теж люблю малювати птахів: курей, бджіл, джмелів — усе, що оточувало мене в дитинстві в Українських Карпатах і завжди викликало захоплення.

Природа для мене — не просто натхнення, а безмежний духовний простір. Мій учитель Богдан Іванович Боднарук казав: «Коли не знаєш, як намалювати, поглянь у природу». Ці слова живуть у кожній моїй роботі.

З дитинства я захоплювалася гуцульським народним мистецтвом — розписами, керамікою та вишитими рушниками моєї бабусі Анни, де часто зустрічалися птахи. У цих простих формах — цілий всесвіт символів, який відчуваю й сьогодні.

Мене зачаровує простота Слонема — вона притягує і не потребує пояснень. Проводячи паралель із моїми акварелями, де я зображую курей, птахів і бджіл, я бачу, що вони викликають емоції та асоціації у глядачів. Люди діляться своїми історіями, розповідають про миті життя, пов’язані з цими істотами.

Я експериментую з папером, аквареллю, тушшю, але образи залишаються простими, виразними й зрозумілими кожном.

Це мистецтво про життя, про прості речі, сповнені гармонії, які завжди знаходять шлях до серця.

Sacred Straw: An Exhibition of Sacred Art

June 04, 2025

From March through the end of June, The Ukrainian History and Education Center in New Jersey is hosting the exhibition Sacred Straw, featuring my original depictions of saints alongside a photo exhibition of straw-decorated pysanky- solom’ynky by Parania Sozanski.

The collection of icons was created during the time I lived in Ukraine. These are not canonical icons, but rather deeply personal and intuitive interpretations — images born from faith, vision, and a profound respect for tradition.

They are inspired by the folk iconography of my native region, Pokuttia — icons traditionally painted on glass or wood by self-taught folk artists with no academic training, guided only by their inner sense of the sacred. They painted saints the way they imagined them to be. This sincerity, naivety, and the power of simplicity have always been a vital source of energy for me.

All of the works are created using the straw appliqué technique on wooden surfaces. This art form unites a natural material — straw, which has absorbed the sun, rain, and wind — with inspiration born in silence and prayer, often during moments of fasting or at spiritual crossroads. Straw resembles gold, serves as a channel for the life-giving salt toward our daily bread, and is often overlooked or undervalued.

Each piece is filled with light and layered meaning — which each viewer can interpret in their own way. Most of the works are framed in handcrafted original frames that emphasize the sacredness and spatial presence of the image.

Although I no longer work in this technique — it is extremely labour-intensive, requiring extensive preparation of the materials, which was always done by my father, Ivan — and long periods of reflection and creation, these works remain a foundational part of my artistic practice. They are like deep roots to which I constantly return.

Recently, I had an unexpected but meaningful conversation with young artists from a residency in Mississauga (Visual Arts Mississauga), who were especially drawn to this medium. It was deeply encouraging to hear that, even today — amidst an endless variety of artistic materials and methods — there is still a longing for the sacred, for working with natural materials.

I am sincerely grateful to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch for recommending me to the American audience. This gesture of trust means a great deal to me. My thanks as well to the organizers of the exhibition — The Ukrainian History and Education Center.

I warmly invite everyone who finds themselves in New Jersey during this time to visit the exhibition. I hope it brings you inspiration, stirs something deep within, and opens space for a quiet inner dialogue — in the presence of images infused with light, transformed from the essence of our Mother Earth.

Experience the vibe of my New Jersey exhibition, showcasing sacred straw icons inspired by the folk art of Pokuttia, Ukraine. These works bring together tradition and contemporary vision, exploring spirituality, heritage, and the memory embedded in material. Step into the world of Carpathian culture and feel the artistry come alive!

Відчуйте атмосферу моєї виставки в Нью-Джерсі, присвяченої образам святих із соломи, натхненним народним мистецтвом Покуття, Україна. Ці роботи поєднують традиції та сучасне бачення, досліджуючи духовність, культурну спадщину та пам’ять, закладену в матеріалі. Пориньте у світ карпатської культури та відчуйте, як оживає мистецтво!

Myroslava Boikiv | Ukrainian Textile Club

Український Текстильний Клуб

October 04, 2024

Have you started a Ukrainian textile project, like a sorochka or a rushnyk, but need more guidance to bring it to life? Or are you already familiar with textile work and eager to start something new? Join the Ukrainian Textile Club, presented by Myroslava Boikiv, St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI), and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. This club offers a hands-on, supportive environment where you can work on your traditional textile projects using authentic techniques. With Myroslava’s mentorship, you'll deepen your skills in sewing, embroidery, and weaving while connecting with others who share a passion for Ukrainian textile arts. Future workshops may also be introduced to welcome more members into our club.

Please note that the club's language will primarily be Ukrainian.

Our first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 PM at SVI - 620 Spadina Avenue. Myroslava Boikiv will present some of her work and share her background in Ukrainian textiles. This informal gathering will introduce the Ukrainian Textile Club and allow us to discuss each member's experience with textile work. The club aims to help participants gain confidence in traditional Ukrainian textile crafting while understanding the intentional techniques used by our ancestors. We’ll assess the needs of the group to tailor future sessions to your projects and interests.

The club will continue to meet every second Wednesday, providing ongoing support for your textile projects.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Myroslava at myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com.

Myroslava Boikiv, a Ukrainian textile and watercolour artist based in Toronto, draws deeply from her upbringing in Kovalivka, a village nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Inspired by the rich rural and traditional Ukrainian culture of her youth, she now navigates the urban landscape of Toronto while maintaining a profound connection to her roots. Despite challenges imposed by the Soviet system's suppression of language, history, and culture, Myroslava's art serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Ukrainian identity.

With a background as an art restorer at the National Museum of Hutsulshchyna & Pokuttia Folk Art and as the curator of the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, she brings a wealth of experience in preserving and promoting Ukrainian folk art. Her artworks have been displayed in galleries and museums across Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and Canada, with pieces in private collections worldwide.

Suggested payment: $30 per session.
First meeting: Free, but RSVP is required.

Register by emailing:myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com
E-transfers to myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com or cash when you arrive.

Catalogue

June 27, 2024

Creating a catalogue for the textile exhibition "Repurposed" opened up a new artistic field for me — creating an art book.

This project became a significant milestone, marking the release of my first self-published work. The catalogue features a large portion of my creative output, serving as a testament to my textile art in this new period of my life after moving to Canada.

My mentor and designer was Oksana Hawrylak - www.oksana.design/, a wise, creative, and determined person with whom I have been fortunate to work over the past five years.

I found inspiration in the catalogues of exhibitions by Natalka Husar - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalka_Husar, an American-Canadian artist of Ukrainian descent.

This art book includes photographs and texts that discuss my ideas, transformations, experiences, and life philosophy. These descriptions uncover what lies behind the scenes and are also the essence of creativity, infusing the art with meaning and encouraging the audience to ponder. I am delighted to have my first printed catalogue, an art book. I hand-stitched all the copies myself, adding a unique touch of authenticity to my work.

You can purchase them at the UMCO museum, www.umcontario.com, so hurry, as the number of copies is limited, or you can view them at the SVI library. www.stolodymyr.org

Wedding Musicians

January 25, 2024

Embarking on a journey down memory lane, I recently rediscovered a cherished gem from my past – the 'Wedding Musicians' tapestry, a composition woven during my college years.

This canvas beautifully encapsulates the zeal and energy of the enchanting melodies originating from my native Carpathian Mountains. Each thread within this intricate piece of art tells a story, echoing the vibrant tunes that have resonated through these majestic mountains for generations. There's an undeniable wave of nostalgia, and with it, a profound connection to my roots.

Explore the tapestry of my memories and join me in sensing the enduring beauty of Carpathian melodies.

Capturing Carpenter Bees in Watercolour

November 28, 2023

In creating this artwork of a carpenter bee, I uncovered the fascinating world of these intelligent insects. Living within wood, they skillfully manage their nest entrances to keep unwanted visitors out.

Executed on high-quality watercolour paper, I employed the wet-on-wet technique for a fluid background. Adding details on dry paper enhanced the realism, showcasing the bee's intricate features.

This painting not only captures the visual beauty but also offers a glimpse into the clever nature of carpenter bees. Through this artistic process, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Client Feedback

November 14, 2023

"A Heartwarming Gift: Client Feedback on a Cherished Family Painting"

I recently had the pleasure of receiving heartfelt feedback from a satisfied client, Lydia. Her family commissioned a special piece of art for her birthday. As an artist, there is nothing more gratifying than knowing your work has brought joy and captured the essence of cherished memories.

Lydia shared, "For my birthday, my family surprised me with a beautiful painting of our family home of more than 30 years. The artist captured the warmth, character, and essence of our Toronto house and garden just as I feel it every day."

Such words resonate deeply with me, as they highlight the significance of creating art that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Art has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and immortalize moments in time. In Lydia's case, the painting became a timeless representation of her family's history, a tangible connection to a place filled with love and memories.

Receiving feedback like this reaffirms the importance of doing what you love and pursuing your passion. Art is not just about the strokes of a brush or the colors on a canvas; it's about creating something that resonates with people on a profound level.

Lydia's closing words, "Thank you, Myroslava. You have created an heirloom for generations," serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact art can have. It's a privilege to be part of someone's story, contributing to the creation of a family heirloom that will be cherished for generations to come.

In conclusion, this experience reinforces my belief that art has the power to create meaningful connections, preserve memories, and bring joy to people's lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in Lydia's birthday surprise and to have contributed to the creation of an artistic legacy for her family.

Archangel Michael

November 08, 2023

🕊️🇺🇦 Commemorating Archangel Michael 🇺🇦🕊️

On this special day in Ukraine, we honor the mighty Archangel Michael, a symbol of unwavering devotion to truth and justice. With the power of good, he valiantly battles evil and inspires us to do the same.

Let's reflect on the values of courage, righteousness, and protection as we pay tribute to this celestial guardian. May his presence continue to watch over Ukraine and all those who seek peace and justice.

Embracing Spontaneity:

November 07, 2023

Embracing Spontaneity: Painting Pollinators in Watercolour

Lately, I've been captivated by watercolour painting, focusing on the enchanting world of pollinators like bees, bumblebees, and wasps.

Two revelations have made this journey a joy.

First, I've abandoned preliminary pencil sketches, letting watercolour's spontaneity shine. Second, I allow the watercolour to dance freely on paper, creating independent and accessible illustrations that truly reflect my character.

This uncontrolled approach has been liberating and brought an authentic essence to my work. In essence, embracing watercolour's unpredictability has added a touch of magic to my art.

Спас

August 19, 2023

Спас або Преображення Господнє.

Свято східних словʼян, відзначається Східною Церквою з IV століття і є одним із найбільших, після Великодня.

"Klyuchiv’s Bride"

August 15, 2023

Many Ukrainian cultures and traditions have been threatened throughout the centuries by the ruthless soviet union.

One example of this close to my hometown is the unique wedding-ceremonial crown wreath of a Bride from the village of Velyky Klyuchiv in the Kolomyya region of Western Ukraine.

The local artist Paraska Kushlyak, a native of this village, managed to revive it and give it a second life and married in such a marvellous crown when she was young. She had later created some wreaths from goose feathers, somewhat simplified, for a village folklore ensemble and taught others how to do it.

She recalled that, when she was a young girl, such headdresses were considered one of the highest honours to craft. They are traditionally made by the elders in large households, surrounded by children and grandchildren. To make this wreath, you need real white feathers from the breast of three domestic geese, various beads, and ribbons. Traditionally, these wreaths were woven into the bride's and bridesmaid's hair so that the headdresses could be held on firmly. Today, the modernized versions of the wreaths can quickly go on the head without weaving it into the hair.

I have always been fascinated by these unusual and impressively large crown wreaths. Now living in Canada, I recollected my meeting and conversations with Paraska Kushlyak and planted a seed now part of my tapestry series titled "Parallels." The tapestry "Klyuchiv’s Bride" is one of my six tapestries created for "Parallels."

Stay tuned to learn more about this project.

Неповторно- виразну українську культуру та звичаї «совєтщина» безжально молола своїм залізобетонним млином.

Така доля судилася і унікальному весільно-обрядовому вінку кнігині (нареченої )з села Великий Ключів на Коломийщині. Відродити і дати йому 2-е життя зуміла майстриня Параска Кушляк, уродженка цього села. Вона сама колись виходила заміж в такому розкішному вінку. Пораска Кушляк створила цілу низку їх з гусячого пір’я, дещо спрощених, для сільського фольклорного ансамблю і навчила інших.

Вона пригадує як у молодості такі головні убори мали честь шити старші жінки, які були добрими ґаздинями, мали дітей і онуків. Для вінка потрібне було біле пір’я з 3 гусячих грудинок і різні пацьорки, стрічки тощо.

Колись такий вінок вплітали в волосся нареченої і дружок, він міцно тримався хоча і важив близько 1 кг. Зараз його осучаснили і він одягається простіше, як фрагмент сценічного костюму.

Мені завжди подобалися ці незвичні, вражаючої величини вінки. Зустріч і спілкування з цією майстринею посіяли зерно, яке сьогодні проросло на канадській землі у проекті «Паралелі». Так побачив світ гобелен «Ключівська молода»

https://youtu.be/eyu5IsWoMrs

August 01, 2023

Oh why is this watercolour so magical and captivating...? Maybe because it is so unpredictable... You play with it as a kitten plays with a mouse, catching it by the tail, letting go, and catching again. Similarly you can paint a shape, let it dry, and paint over it again and again enjoying the whimsical effects. This technique named glazing I have tried for the first time. It was such a fascinating experience! In my opinion, the result turned out very solid and wholesome. And what do you think?

І чому ж ця акварель така цікава…? Можливо тому, що така непередбачувана. Ти завжди граєшся з нею, як кіт з мишкою, то ловиш її за хвостик, то відпускаєш. Саме цю техніку- загальної заливки в кілька прокладок, я спробувала вперше і, зізнаюся, вона мене дуже приємно здивувала. Здається, зображуваний об’єкт вийшов досить цільним, чи не так? Цікава твоя думка, поділишся?

Bumblebee. Джміль.

July 18, 2023

A bumblebee. While painting these plump, cute insects, I mastered a watercolour technique that I haven't used much until now. It is called a wash method. In my experience, it can work perfectly with another my favorite technique, wet on wet. The wash method perfectly reflects the natural texture of insect wings, their lightness, and transparency.

Just add a few subtle details in the end, like edges and veins, and it turns out very natural. One of my subscribers even wrote, "I thought this bumblebee would fly right out of my screen!" If you are interested, you can try it too!

Джміль. Малюючи цих боцматих, миловидних комах, я відкрила для себе ще одну акварельну техніку, яку досі використовувала не часто. Це техніка розмивки. Вона ідеально співпрацює, як на мою думку, з моєю, улюбленою- по мокрому. Розмивкою дуже зручно і легко можна передати природню текстуру крил комах, їхню легкість і прозорість.

Лише на завершення треба делікатно підкреслити деталі- краї , прожилки і виходить дуже натуралістично. Хтось із підписників навіть цікаво прокоментував- « Мені здавалося що цей джміль зараз вилетить просто з мого екрану!» Як що зацікавило- можеш спробувати і ти!

Canadian Prairies.

July 11, 2023

I devised a new technique while working on the "Prairies" tapestry.

I used strips of fabric from old clothes and combined traditional and natural raw weaving materials to make the artwork more expressive with the help of contrasting colours and especially textures, underlining the diverse landscapes of the Canadian Prairies.

The Prairies were the first place Ukrainians settled in Canada. Its boundless rich and lush lands were familiar to Ukrainian newcomers of the fertile agricultural lands they left behind in their native Ukraine.

My work on the "Prairies" opened up new horizons for my upcoming large-scale tapestry projects.

Гобелен «Прерії» створений в новаторськiй техніці.

Для ткання я використала порізані на смуги тканини з одягу, який вже вийшов із вжитку, і поєднала їх з традиційною ткацькою сировиною. Це допомогло мені досягнути виразності і передати за допомогою контрастних кольорів і, особливо, текстурності розмаїті канадські ландшафти регіонів прерії.

Саме там свого часу з'явилися перші українські поселення, саме там знаходяться найродючіші сільськогосподарські угіддя. Ці землі, напевно, нагадували українським емігрантам про багаті і родючі землі залишеної ними України. Робота над цим панно відкрила нові можливості для реалізації в майбутньому гобеленових творів великих масштабів.