A Living Language of Colour. Petrykivka is a vibrant Ukrainian folk art style that originated in the village of Petrykivka. It is known for its intricate floral, natural, and animal motifs, traditionally painted on white backgrounds. These compositions symbolise harmony, life, and protection, and for generations have been used to decorate homes, everyday objects, and communal spaces. Today, Petrykivka is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural identity through decorative painting.
This tradition has always been close to my heart. What distinguishes Petrykivka from other painting styles is the way it is created — everything is built from expressive brushstrokes that feel like footprints left by different brushes and tools, sometimes even fingertip marks. Each stroke is visible, intentional, and alive, forming complex patterns through simple gestures.
Petrykivka is also unapologetically colourful, ornate, and joyful. Its energy comes from abundance rather than restraint, from movement rather than symmetry. These qualities resonate deeply with me. They speak of celebration, optimism, and a connection to nature that feels both playful and profound.
For me, Petrykivka is more than a decorative style. It is a visual language that carries memory, emotion, and identity — one that continues to inspire my work and reminds me of the power of colour, rhythm, and hand-made marks to tell stories across time and place.
Before moving to Australia, I spent five formative years working at Edipresse Ukraine, an international publishing house. I began as a designer and illustrator and later took on the role of chief editor, alongside working as a photographer and illustrator. This period played a significant role in shaping my approach to clarity, storytelling, and creating strong, high-quality visual narratives. Between 2004 and 2009, I worked across a wide range of publications and roles: 2006–2009 — Chief Editor, Photographer, Designer & Illustrator, Fun Ideas (children’s craft magazine) 2006 — Designer & Illustrator, English Teen Club (English-learning magazine for teenagers) 2004–2008 — Illustrator, Horoscope (women’s magazine) 2005 — Designer, Marketing Department
The exhibition True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow at Gosford Community Gallery was the first of many we held during the first three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It marked a moment when art became a way to stand together, to act, and to help. Seven Australian artists of Ukrainian descent, all living and working in Australia, came together to sell artworks and raise funds for Ukrainians in need. The theme — blue and yellow — was both simple and deeply felt: a tribute to the ocean, to emotion, and to shared experience. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, purchased artworks, or made a donation. This exhibition ran from 27 June to 1 July 2022, and it set the tone for everything that followed.
