Український Текстильний Клуб

Have you started a Ukrainian textile project, like a sorochka or a rushnyk, but need more guidance to bring it to life? Or are you already familiar with textile work and eager to start something new? Join the Ukrainian Textile Club, presented by Myroslava Boikiv, St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI), and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. This club offers a hands-on, supportive environment where you can work on your traditional textile projects using authentic techniques. With Myroslava’s mentorship, you'll deepen your skills in sewing, embroidery, and weaving while connecting with others who share a passion for Ukrainian textile arts. Future workshops may also be introduced to welcome more members into our club.

Please note that the club's language will primarily be Ukrainian.

Our first meeting will take place on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 PM at SVI - 620 Spadina Avenue. Myroslava Boikiv will present some of her work and share her background in Ukrainian textiles. This informal gathering will introduce the Ukrainian Textile Club and allow us to discuss each member's experience with textile work. The club aims to help participants gain confidence in traditional Ukrainian textile crafting while understanding the intentional techniques used by our ancestors. We’ll assess the needs of the group to tailor future sessions to your projects and interests.

The club will continue to meet every second Wednesday, providing ongoing support for your textile projects.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Myroslava at myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com.

Myroslava Boikiv, a Ukrainian textile and watercolour artist based in Toronto, draws deeply from her upbringing in Kovalivka, a village nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Inspired by the rich rural and traditional Ukrainian culture of her youth, she now navigates the urban landscape of Toronto while maintaining a profound connection to her roots. Despite challenges imposed by the Soviet system's suppression of language, history, and culture, Myroslava's art serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Ukrainian identity.

With a background as an art restorer at the National Museum of Hutsulshchyna & Pokuttia Folk Art and as the curator of the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, she brings a wealth of experience in preserving and promoting Ukrainian folk art. Her artworks have been displayed in galleries and museums across Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and Canada, with pieces in private collections worldwide.

Suggested payment: $30 per session.
First meeting: Free, but RSVP is required.

Register by emailing:myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com
E-transfers to myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com or cash when you arrive.

Catalogue

Creating a catalogue for the textile exhibition "Repurposed" opened up a new artistic field for me — creating an art book.

This project became a significant milestone, marking the release of my first self-published work. The catalogue features a large portion of my creative output, serving as a testament to my textile art in this new period of my life after moving to Canada.

My mentor and designer was Oksana Hawrylak - www.oksana.design/, a wise, creative, and determined person with whom I have been fortunate to work over the past five years.

I found inspiration in the catalogues of exhibitions by Natalka Husar - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalka_Husar, an American-Canadian artist of Ukrainian descent.

This art book includes photographs and texts that discuss my ideas, transformations, experiences, and life philosophy. These descriptions uncover what lies behind the scenes and are also the essence of creativity, infusing the art with meaning and encouraging the audience to ponder. I am delighted to have my first printed catalogue, an art book. I hand-stitched all the copies myself, adding a unique touch of authenticity to my work.

You can purchase them at the UMCO museum, www.umcontario.com, so hurry, as the number of copies is limited, or you can view them at the SVI library. www.stolodymyr.org

Wedding Musicians

Embarking on a journey down memory lane, I recently rediscovered a cherished gem from my past – the 'Wedding Musicians' tapestry, a composition woven during my college years.

This canvas beautifully encapsulates the zeal and energy of the enchanting melodies originating from my native Carpathian Mountains. Each thread within this intricate piece of art tells a story, echoing the vibrant tunes that have resonated through these majestic mountains for generations. There's an undeniable wave of nostalgia, and with it, a profound connection to my roots.

Explore the tapestry of my memories and join me in sensing the enduring beauty of Carpathian melodies.

Capturing Carpenter Bees in Watercolour

In creating this artwork of a carpenter bee, I uncovered the fascinating world of these intelligent insects. Living within wood, they skillfully manage their nest entrances to keep unwanted visitors out.

Executed on high-quality watercolour paper, I employed the wet-on-wet technique for a fluid background. Adding details on dry paper enhanced the realism, showcasing the bee's intricate features.

This painting not only captures the visual beauty but also offers a glimpse into the clever nature of carpenter bees. Through this artistic process, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Client Feedback

"A Heartwarming Gift: Client Feedback on a Cherished Family Painting"

I recently had the pleasure of receiving heartfelt feedback from a satisfied client, Lydia. Her family commissioned a special piece of art for her birthday. As an artist, there is nothing more gratifying than knowing your work has brought joy and captured the essence of cherished memories.

Lydia shared, "For my birthday, my family surprised me with a beautiful painting of our family home of more than 30 years. The artist captured the warmth, character, and essence of our Toronto house and garden just as I feel it every day."

Such words resonate deeply with me, as they highlight the significance of creating art that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Art has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and immortalize moments in time. In Lydia's case, the painting became a timeless representation of her family's history, a tangible connection to a place filled with love and memories.

Receiving feedback like this reaffirms the importance of doing what you love and pursuing your passion. Art is not just about the strokes of a brush or the colors on a canvas; it's about creating something that resonates with people on a profound level.

Lydia's closing words, "Thank you, Myroslava. You have created an heirloom for generations," serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact art can have. It's a privilege to be part of someone's story, contributing to the creation of a family heirloom that will be cherished for generations to come.

In conclusion, this experience reinforces my belief that art has the power to create meaningful connections, preserve memories, and bring joy to people's lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in Lydia's birthday surprise and to have contributed to the creation of an artistic legacy for her family.

Archangel Michael

🕊️🇺🇦 Commemorating Archangel Michael 🇺🇦🕊️

On this special day in Ukraine, we honor the mighty Archangel Michael, a symbol of unwavering devotion to truth and justice. With the power of good, he valiantly battles evil and inspires us to do the same.

Let's reflect on the values of courage, righteousness, and protection as we pay tribute to this celestial guardian. May his presence continue to watch over Ukraine and all those who seek peace and justice.

Embracing Spontaneity:

Embracing Spontaneity: Painting Pollinators in Watercolour

Lately, I've been captivated by watercolour painting, focusing on the enchanting world of pollinators like bees, bumblebees, and wasps.

Two revelations have made this journey a joy.

First, I've abandoned preliminary pencil sketches, letting watercolour's spontaneity shine. Second, I allow the watercolour to dance freely on paper, creating independent and accessible illustrations that truly reflect my character.

This uncontrolled approach has been liberating and brought an authentic essence to my work. In essence, embracing watercolour's unpredictability has added a touch of magic to my art.

Спас

Спас або Преображення Господнє.

Свято східних словʼян, відзначається Східною Церквою з IV століття і є одним із найбільших, після Великодня.

"Klyuchiv’s Bride"

Many Ukrainian cultures and traditions have been threatened throughout the centuries by the ruthless soviet union.

One example of this close to my hometown is the unique wedding-ceremonial crown wreath of a Bride from the village of Velyky Klyuchiv in the Kolomyya region of Western Ukraine.

The local artist Paraska Kushlyak, a native of this village, managed to revive it and give it a second life and married in such a marvellous crown when she was young. She had later created some wreaths from goose feathers, somewhat simplified, for a village folklore ensemble and taught others how to do it.

She recalled that, when she was a young girl, such headdresses were considered one of the highest honours to craft. They are traditionally made by the elders in large households, surrounded by children and grandchildren. To make this wreath, you need real white feathers from the breast of three domestic geese, various beads, and ribbons. Traditionally, these wreaths were woven into the bride's and bridesmaid's hair so that the headdresses could be held on firmly. Today, the modernized versions of the wreaths can quickly go on the head without weaving it into the hair.

I have always been fascinated by these unusual and impressively large crown wreaths. Now living in Canada, I recollected my meeting and conversations with Paraska Kushlyak and planted a seed now part of my tapestry series titled "Parallels." The tapestry "Klyuchiv’s Bride" is one of my six tapestries created for "Parallels."

Stay tuned to learn more about this project.

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Неповторно- виразну українську культуру та звичаї «совєтщина» безжально молола своїм залізобетонним млином.

Така доля судилася і унікальному весільно-обрядовому вінку кнігині (нареченої )з села Великий Ключів на Коломийщині. Відродити і дати йому 2-е життя зуміла майстриня Параска Кушляк, уродженка цього села. Вона сама колись виходила заміж в такому розкішному вінку. Пораска Кушляк створила цілу низку їх з гусячого пір’я, дещо спрощених, для сільського фольклорного ансамблю і навчила інших.

Вона пригадує як у молодості такі головні убори мали честь шити старші жінки, які були добрими ґаздинями, мали дітей і онуків. Для вінка потрібне було біле пір’я з 3 гусячих грудинок і різні пацьорки, стрічки тощо.

Колись такий вінок вплітали в волосся нареченої і дружок, він міцно тримався хоча і важив близько 1 кг. Зараз його осучаснили і він одягається простіше, як фрагмент сценічного костюму.

Мені завжди подобалися ці незвичні, вражаючої величини вінки. Зустріч і спілкування з цією майстринею посіяли зерно, яке сьогодні проросло на канадській землі у проекті «Паралелі». Так побачив світ гобелен «Ключівська молода»

https://youtu.be/eyu5IsWoMrs

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Oh why is this watercolour so magical and captivating...? Maybe because it is so unpredictable... You play with it as a kitten plays with a mouse, catching it by the tail, letting go, and catching again. Similarly you can paint a shape, let it dry, and paint over it again and again enjoying the whimsical effects. This technique named glazing I have tried for the first time. It was such a fascinating experience! In my opinion, the result turned out very solid and wholesome. And what do you think?

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І чому ж ця акварель така цікава…? Можливо тому, що така непередбачувана. Ти завжди граєшся з нею, як кіт з мишкою, то ловиш її за хвостик, то відпускаєш. Саме цю техніку- загальної заливки в кілька прокладок, я спробувала вперше і, зізнаюся, вона мене дуже приємно здивувала. Здається, зображуваний об’єкт вийшов досить цільним, чи не так? Цікава твоя думка, поділишся?

Bumblebee. Джміль.

A bumblebee. While painting these plump, cute insects, I mastered a watercolour technique that I haven't used much until now. It is called a wash method. In my experience, it can work perfectly with another my favorite technique, wet on wet. The wash method perfectly reflects the natural texture of insect wings, their lightness, and transparency.

Just add a few subtle details in the end, like edges and veins, and it turns out very natural. One of my subscribers even wrote, "I thought this bumblebee would fly right out of my screen!" If you are interested, you can try it too!

Джміль. Малюючи цих боцматих, миловидних комах,  я відкрила для себе ще одну акварельну техніку, яку досі використовувала не часто. Це техніка розмивки. Вона ідеально співпрацює, як на мою думку, з моєю, улюбленою- по мокрому. Розмивкою дуже зручно і легко можна передати природню текстуру крил  комах, їхню легкість і прозорість. 

Лише на завершення треба делікатно підкреслити деталі- краї , прожилки і виходить дуже натуралістично. Хтось із підписників навіть цікаво прокоментував- « Мені здавалося що цей джміль зараз вилетить просто з мого екрану!» Як що зацікавило- можеш спробувати і ти!

Canadian Prairies.

I devised a new technique while working on the "Prairies" tapestry.

I used strips of fabric from old clothes and combined traditional and natural raw weaving materials to make the artwork more expressive with the help of contrasting colours and especially textures, underlining the diverse landscapes of the Canadian Prairies.

The Prairies were the first place Ukrainians settled in Canada. Its boundless rich and lush lands were familiar to Ukrainian newcomers of the fertile agricultural lands they left behind in their native Ukraine.

My work on the "Prairies" opened up new horizons for my upcoming large-scale tapestry projects.

Гобелен «Прерії» створений в новаторськiй техніці.

Для ткання я використала порізані на смуги тканини з одягу, який вже вийшов із вжитку, і поєднала їх з традиційною ткацькою сировиною. Це допомогло мені досягнути виразності і передати за допомогою контрастних кольорів і, особливо, текстурності розмаїті канадські ландшафти регіонів прерії.

Саме там свого часу з'явилися перші українські поселення, саме там знаходяться найродючіші сільськогосподарські угіддя. Ці землі, напевно, нагадували українським емігрантам про багаті і родючі землі залишеної ними України. Робота над цим панно відкрила нові можливості для реалізації в майбутньому гобеленових творів великих масштабів.

Old house. Watercolour.

I drew another old house in my neighbourhood the other day. Watercolour. Toronto.

A continuation of this story.

I bought a new portable easel and a set of new brushes and wanted to give them a try.

I went outside looking to get new ideas, and then a house near my studio caught my eye. Gradually it started shaping up on a canvas.

As I was painting, a young woman with a little boy came by to look at what I was painting.

She asked if I would interested in making a painting of her home. She thought it would make a great Father's Day gift for her husband.

I happily agreed and made this painting of their home.

A continuation of this story. Her friend asked me to paint her father's home as a gift for Father's Day.

House

I bought a new portable easel and a set of new brushes and wanted to give them a try.

I went outside looking to get new ideas, and then a house near my studio caught my eye. Gradually it started shaping up on a canvas. As I was painting, a young woman with a little boy came by to look at what I was painting. She asked if I would interested in making a painting of her home. She thought it would make a great Father's Day gift for her husband.

I happily agreed and made this painting of their home.

Якось нещодавно я купила новий мольберт, професійні пензлі і вирішила спробувати їх на практиці.

Вийшовши на вулицю в пошуку ідеї для натхнення, звернула увагу на один з будинків. Поступово він почав вимальовуватись на папері.

В цей час до мене підійшла молода жінка з дитиною. Вона запитала, чи була би я зацікавлена намалювати і її оселю, як подарунок для чоловіка до Дня батька.

Я погодилася. Як мені це вдалося пропоную глянути і вам.

Blue herons

Голубі чаплі.

Птахи в моїй творчості зайняли одне із основних місць.

Мені одинаково подобається як малювати їх аквареллю, так і відтворювати в текстилі, люблю їх стилізувати і зображати натуралістично.

Ось ці дві чаплі з’явилися на гобелені уже в процесі ткання. Потрібно було зробити кілька спроб, щоб вони тектонічно зазвучали в загальній композиції.

BUMBLEBEE кумедне тільце джмеля

Вперше спробувала намалювати ось таке миле мохнате і трошки кумедне тільце джмеля.

Невпевнено, але з величезним захопленням і задоволенням тривала робота. Передусім тому, що я випробовувала властивості щойно придбаного паперу фірми Winsor&Newton cold pressed, застосовуючи техніку малювання аквареллю по вологому паперу, з подальшим промальовуванням деталей уже по сухому. Зародилася ідея про створення серії замальовок різноманітних комах.

Отож, далі буде...

Текстильні варіації

Textile variations.

In my opinion, textile techniques add some special mystery to a female image and can instigate a multitude of fantasies. They in turn may lead to creation of new and surprisingly organic techniques.

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Текстильні варіації.
Жіночий образ, який твориться засобами текстилю, виходить загадково, як на мою думку.

Можливі всілякі фантазії. Вони ж народжують техніки і все, на диво, досить органічно.

Mає бути натуральним

Oddly enough, tapestry-making techniques can be used to create a fairly large and voluminous composition, and in a relatively short time. 

All you need to do is to browse through your closet and find things with a matching colour and texture that you can just say goodbye to, or rather give them a second life. 

The only trick is that everything has to be made of natural fabric

Cut them carefully, and here you go, your old jeans and shirts magically turn into unique design elements for a tapestry.

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Як не дивно, та гобеленовими техніками можна виконати досить об’ємну і велику композицію за не дуже довгий період часу.

Для цього тільки потрібно переглянути свій гардероб і відібрати з нього ті речі, які  підходять за кольором і якістю, з якими не шкода попрощатися, а вірніше  -  дати їм друге життя.

Вимога - все має бути натуральним.
І тоді твої старі джинси і сорочки перетворюються на прекрасну сировину для гобелену.

water

For a longer time, I was afraid to even try painting water.  Very recently I took a deep breath, and I dared.  It turned out not as scary as it seemed.  Have a look at what I got!  Of course, there is still a long way to go to make it better, but the first important step has been taken.