In the New York suburb of Yonkers, a solo exhibition by pysanka master Lesia Kozicka took place, during which workshops on traditional Lemko pysanka painting were also held. The event was held in the gallery-lounge of the SUMA credit union.
This was reported by nova gazeta.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the characteristics of the Lemko pysanka, which is distinguished by its ancient tradition, characteristic ornaments, and execution technique. According to the master, these pysankas have a clear compositional structure, are created using a special tool – a pin-headed stylus – and are based on a combination of two elements – "dots" and "drops," from which ornaments are formed.
During the event, the symbolism of traditional patterns was also explained, particularly the images of the sun, "ruzha," and "kryvulka," which embody life, rebirth, and continuity. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the differences between traditional and modern pysanka-making, as well as the importance of preserving authentic ornaments.
Lesia Kozicka has been practicing pysanka making since childhood, having inherited the knowledge from her family. She works in various styles of traditional painting, uses different materials, and has for many years conducted exhibitions, workshops, and educational classes for children and adults in schools, churches, museums, libraries, and at festivals.
The master noted that she mastered pysanka making from childhood:
"My mother wrote, my mother's mother wrote… They used to say that in every Ukrainian house it goes from mother to grandmother to learn those patterns… But for me it was a bit different. 'My mother wrote, my grandmother wrote, my sisters wrote, my father wrote...'"
"My mother wrote, my mother's mother wrote… They used to say that in every Ukrainian house it goes from mother to grandmother to learn those patterns… But for me it was a bit different. 'My mother wrote, my grandmother wrote, my sisters wrote, my father wrote...'"
Background
Lesia Kozicka is a pysanka master who has been engaged in this art since childhood. She was born and raised in Clifton (New Jersey) in a family of Ukrainian immigrants from the Lemko region, works in various styles of traditional pysanka making, uses different types of materials, and conducts exhibitions, workshops, and creative lessons for children and adults in schools, churches, museums, libraries, and at festivals.
Photo: Lesia Kozicky
Author: Danylo Pievchev