Have you ever heard of pysanka? It’s an ancient tradition of decorating eggs with intricate designs, and Yevgeniya Tatarenko is a master of this stunning Ukrainian art. For over 25 years, Tatarenko has been perfecting her pysanka skills, teaching others how to bring their own creative visions to life through this unique method.
“I love to explore. I love to learn,” says Tatarenko. “And every time I learn something new, I love to share it.”
Tatarenko’s enthusiasm for pysanka goes far beyond just creating beautiful eggs. It’s about preserving a piece of her cultural heritage and sharing it with others.
“This is very ancient Ukrainian art. It’s part of the history, culture, and beliefs of my people. Decorating eggs isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of keeping our traditions alive.” - Yevgeniya Tatarenko on connecting to her Ukranian heritage through pysanka.
What is pysanka?
Pysanka (pronounced pyuh-sahn-kah) is more than just egg decorating; it’s a powerful cultural and spiritual tradition rooted in Ukraine. The process involves applying melted wax to an egg and then dyeing it in vibrant colors. The wax is used to create intricate patterns that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
“This is real magic that works,” Tatarenko explains. “It’s a deeply spiritual art. When you create a pysanka, you are connecting with your ancestors, and you’re putting energy into it. The symbols are not just decoration; they have meaning and power.”
The designs often incorporate symbols that reflect nature, faith, and personal wishes. For example, certain patterns are believed to offer protection, while others represent growth, fertility, or good health.
“I grew up with this tradition. My grandmother taught me, and I remember watching her create pysanka when I was little. It became a way of life,” Tatarenko adds.
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A deep connection to tradition
In addition to being a skilled artist, Tatarenko is a passionate educator. She travels and hosts workshops, where she introduces others to the delicate art. “I want to share the techniques with as many people as I can,” she says. “The joy that comes from learning and creating something by hand, it’s priceless. You can’t get that feeling from just buying something in a store.”
She emphasizes that pysanka-making isn’t just for professional artists. “Anyone can learn how to make a pysanka. It’s about patience and dedication, and it’s very rewarding. You just have to start.”
For Tatarenko, each pysanka holds a certain magic. It’s not just about the design on the egg, but the intention behind it. “You put your energy and your wishes into the egg,” she explains. “Whether it’s for your family, your community, or yourself, the pysanka carries your intentions with it.”
The power of pysanka is something Tatarenko has witnessed firsthand. “I’ve had students tell me that after making their pysanka, their life changed in a positive way. It’s incredible,” she says with a smile.
Tatarenko believes in the significance of each symbol on the egg, and the intention behind it can shape the future. “It’s about making your wishes, your dreams, and your hopes tangible.” she says.
“The students are always amazed by the process. It’s a long process, but that’s part of what makes it so special. You can’t rush it. You have to take your time, focus, and put your heart into it.” - Yevgeniya Tatarenko, on the workshop process of decorating pysanka.
Tatarenko’s workshops: Where art meets tradition
Tatarenko’s workshops offer a unique opportunity to connect with a centuries-old tradition and create something personal. Through her guidance, participants can learn the painstaking but rewarding technique of decorating eggs with wax and dye, all while learning about the history and significance behind each design.
“The students are always amazed by the process,” Tatarenko reflects. “It’s a long process, but that’s part of what makes it so special. You can’t rush it. You have to take your time, focus, and put your heart into it.”
Tatarenko often teaches her workshops to individuals and groups, including children, families, and even corporate teams looking for a creative bonding experience. “It’s a beautiful thing when people come together to create something meaningful. You can see how art brings people closer,” she says.
For those who might be intimidated by the intricate designs, Tatarenko reassures them. “Start with the basics. You can always add more to it as you go. The important thing is to enjoy the process. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The future of pysanka
As for the future of pysanka, Tatarenko hopes to continue spreading the art form to new generations. “I want pysanka to be something that’s passed on, not just in Ukraine, but around the world,” she says. “It’s a way for people to learn about each other’s cultures and connect over something beautiful.”
Tatarenko is proud to see how the tradition has been embraced worldwide. “I’ve taught people from all over the world, and every time, it’s amazing to see how much people value this tradition. It’s universal — everyone loves creating something beautiful.”
So, if you're looking to try your hand at pysanka or simply want to learn more about this fascinating tradition, Tatarenko’s workshops are the perfect opportunity. With her passion and expertise, she’ll guide you every step of the way.
The next available workshop is on April 13th at 3:00 PM at Morkler's in Morden, 325 Stephen St. Registration is $35 and you can register in-store.