Ukrainian Pottery Decoration Project

Getting truly unique art and ceramics for a Canadian Ukrainian style decor is tricky in Calgary.  It is true that you can purchase so much on line, but I am all for making art myself.  But where to get truly beautiful ideas that I can actually produce myself?

So I am heading to a "paint it yourself" studio later today.  A coffee and companionship, with an artistic outlet to free the child in me.  Actually there are great philosophers who believe you need to get into a flow state to truly relax.  When you lose track of time, and the hand, the body and the mind are all engaged in creating something, that is a flow state.  My ideal flow state happens with handwriting, painting, while writing pysanky, dancing,  singing, and of course writing - at least these are my favorites. In a flow state a person loses track of time and is engaged fully.



Flendrivka-rare Ukrainian pottery decoration style - youtube

But today it is a paint yourself ceramic experience - let's see whether my amateur skills can create something beautiful!  Here is the example I am planning to emulate - wish me a steady hand!

Flendrivka-rare Ukrainian pottery decoration style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PyKDYCNzF4

So that was a week ago and here is my beginner version of флендрівка. Lots to learn ahead, but I hope you like it! It could be the beginning of a set of bowls!



amk2013




Home Decorating - Ukrainian Infused

amk2012

Finding the inspiration to decorate your home can be tricky - it is hard to wear someone else's design.  However, if you love Ukrainian culture, folklore, and arts, perhaps it is easier than you think?





amk2012

In an earlier blog post, I wondered what my daughters should take from our family home when they move.  An embroidered pillow, paintings from our collection of Ukrainian artists, and a bowl of pysanky - these came to mind instantly.  But there is so much more! I hope their homes feel Ukrainian too!
http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2012/07/hope-springs-eternal.html



amk2012

A friend recently recommended I pick up Ukrainian Style, a book co-authored by an American mission traveler in Ukraine and an interior designer - and I was pleasantly surprised to have discovered another admirer, not only of Ukrainian culture, but its truly human soul! A beautiful, hard-cover publication, Ukrainian Style exhuberantly celebrates Ukrainian arts in home decor.  Love it!


The book is beautiful beautiful enough for a coffee table book, but really, really much more! Whether you are interested in expressing your sense of beauty through Ukrainian arts in your home, or you are drawn by the professional interior decorating advice, delicious recipes and cultural references, this volume is a lovely tabletop companion.   The photos are just spectacular, and of course, a picture can tell at least a thousand words!

Linda Wicklund and Alecia Stevens are celebrating village life and bringing it home in Ukrainian Style. Referencing great Ukrainian museums and resource people in the Eastern US it is evident the authors have decided to represent Ukrainian folk traditions and fine arts rather accurately.  And I appreciate that proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Zolotonosha Youth Center, in Zolotonosha, Ukraine.  In this way, the authors have dedicated this volume to Ukraine's future - its children!

To purchase this lovely book contact www.yevshan.com or www.UkrainianStyle.com.   A wonderful way to infuse Ukrainian style into your home decor - and pass it on!