Pacific Pysanky

Hi, I'm Liv! I've been making pysanky on and off since I was fifteen years old, when I first learned from my mother-in-law; to be clear, she wasn't my mother-in-law at the time! But when my then friend, now husband and I reconnected in 2021, pysanky came back into my life and I've fallen even more in love with this ancient Ukrainian art form. Pysanky are eggs decorated with a wax-resist method, alternating layers of wax and colorful dye until the final wax layer is melted and removed revealing the stunning designs underneath.Pysanky have been made in Ukraine since time immemorial beginning in the prehistoric Trypillian culture, and have survived the introduction of Christianity, the censorship and destruction of the Soviet Union, and the Ukrainian diaspora. They are rich in symbolism, and are traditionally used to invoke a good harvest, a strong marriage, fertility, any sentiment that the artist wishes to imbue the egg with. Each pysanka is deeply personal, a collaboration of the artist's intention, the symbolism of the past, and wishes for the future. Although I came by my love of pysanky indirectly and not through my own lineage, I am so proud to share in the heritage of this beautiful art form and to spread my love to others through teaching. Pysanky can be made by absolutely anyone of any age and any skill level, and that includes you!The Hutzuls (Ukrainians who live in the Carpathian Mountains of Western Ukraine) believe that the fate of the world depends upon the pysanka. As long as the egg decorating custom continues, the world will exist. If this custom is abandoned, evil will overrun the world. In a time of immense uncertainty in the world, I like to think that I am a small part of spreading something beautiful, and holding back evil just a little with each pysanka I write. I would love to have you join me.