Pysanky
April 29, 2017: 1-3pm
Instructor
Cindy Heise
Bio
A budding homesteader, Cindy Heise, is a social worker from Pennsylvania who relocated to the Finger Lakes three years ago. In her free time, she enjoys various arts and crafts including spinning wool, knitting, painting, needle felting, and pysanky! She has been teaching the art of pysanky to children and adults for more than eight years.
History of Pysanky
Pysanky is the traditional Ukrainian art of dying eggs using a wax-resist method. In pre-Christian times the egg symbolized the coming of spring, which in turn was associated with new hope, life, health, and prosperity. In 988, when Ukraine accepted Christianity, the decorating of eggs took on a deep religious meaning. Today, the egg can be decorated with both religious and secular symbols, with many eggs recognized as great works of art. This detail-oriented craft captivates amateur and expert artists alike, and the resulting creations become treasured memories and beautiful decorations to be cherished for years to come.
Class Description
The class will include learning how to apply melted wax onto the surface of a raw egg with a stylus, also known as a kistka. The wax is melted by using a candle, and dyes are used to apply color to the eggshell. The student will alternate between applying wax and submerging the egg in dyes until the final image and color palette is achieved.
Depending on the complexity of the design that the students chooses, the length of time to complete an egg can vary from one to two hours. All tools and materials will be provided. No art experience is necessary! Just patience and a willingness to learn a new craft!