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18 Tuesday, March8,26, 2013 Vol. 7,Vol. No.8,2,No. Tuesday, November 2011
Creative visions brought to life by gifted pysanky artist Michelle Pinon Editor
When Sylvia Kuzyk goes to sleep at night she dreams about eggs. Not just any eggs, but exquisite Ukrainian Easter Eggs, psyanky, that she envisions in beautiful bright colours and intricate patterns. Every psyanky tells a story, and several Lamont and area residents were fortunate enough to see her wonderful works of art last Wednesday as she had a table set up at the local Alberta Treasury Branch. Kuzyk, was on location at the invitation of her niece Debbie Thomas who was selling baking
and perogies to raise money for a special fence project for long-term residents at the Lamont Health Care Centre. “It (the special fence) will allow residents to go outside in the summer time,” said Thomas, who has managed to raise around $4,500 over the past year for the project which is estimated to cost around $17,000 altogether. Thomas will also be selling hamburgers during the upcoming BullA-Rama on April 27th at the Lamont Recreation Centre. For every person who takes a test drive in a Ford, local charities, including the special fence project, will receive
$20. Thomas, who was so proud of her aunt’s special talents and gifts, could not contain her enthusiasm and admiration for the psyanky that are such an integral part of Ukrainian culture. Kuzyk, a former Lamont resident, was more than happy to showcase and sell her one of a kind designs. Kuzyk said it can take between hours to days to weeks to produce the extremely delicate and beautiful chicken and ostrich eggs. It is a painstaking labour of love, and Kuzyk is very proud to be able to carry on the wonderful tradition, and teaches classes to all who would like to follow in her footsteps. Kuzyk, first picked up a kistka, the writing tool used to apply beeswax to the eggs which is used to imprint the complicated patterns and designs. Even though she has created thousands upon thousands of eggs during her life, no two eggs are alike. The amazing creations are a joy to behold, and that is why she creates them, for people to enjoy, admire, and pass on as heirlooms to family members.
“My eggs are all over the world,” commented Kuzyk, who clearly is proud to have had such a wide reaching impact. Very few people are continuing the tradition, adds Kuzyk, who wishes that wasn’t the case; but somewhat explains their widespread popularity. It’s a way of keeping old traditions alive, and Kuzyk loves sharing her finished work with other people. The language of symbols is what adorns Ukrainian pysanky. Every tiny configuration in the larger pattern has a meaning. She adds that the three main themes which appear in the design are animal, plant and geometrical shapes. For example, flowers represent the beauty of nature and depict love, charity and good will. Birds are delicate symbols which represent spring. Roosters and hens denote fertility and fulfillment of wishes. The Greek letters for Jesus Christ, Son of God Savior, spell out the Greek word for fish, ichthys, which helped people find their way out of confusion. Originally, members of her family made the
Debbie Thomas, left, stands beside Sylvia Kuzyk. pysanky eggs to be placed with bread in Easter baskets that were brought to church to be blessed on Easter Sunday. Kuzyk remembers her mother saying that if a blessed egg was in the house it would protect them from fire and from hail. It’s clear that Kuzyk’s gifts have blessed many
Will be closed on March 29, and April 1 for Good Friday and Easter Monday. We will return to regular hours on April 2. H.A.P.P.Y. E.A.S.T.E.R.
recipients, local and abroad, and have arrived just in time to adorn the table for the sacred Easter celebration. Before departing, she wishes a customer prosperity. It is clear that her heartfelt wish has made a lasting impression, just as permanent as her special psyankys.