Petrykivka - Ukrainian folk painting style

A lot of small colourful flowers on different backgrounds set as a chess board

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.

Hand holding a small canvas of Petrykivka flower

A few colourful flowers on small canvas boards

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.

Many colourful boards with Petrykivka flowers

Vertical flower composition with symbolic cornflowers

Vertical flower composition with pink berries

Imitation of stitches with blue acrylic paint on fabric

“Textile & Clothing Decoration”

Textile & Clothing Decoration — Wearable Statements. Working with textiles and clothing gives me a sense of freedom that few other mediums offer. It opens up the possibility to create one-of-a-kind pieces — garments that carry individuality, intention, and personality. Through colour, pattern, and detail, clothing becomes a way to shape an individual style, highlight accents, and, just as importantly, draw attention away from areas you’d rather keep understated. Individually decorated clothes are statements. They speak about who you are — your boldness or softness, your playfulness or restraint, and what truly matters to you. A painted jacket, dress, or pair of jeans can express confidence, curiosity, or a quiet sense of joy without saying a word. I create textile and clothing designs using high-quality acrylic paints that are washable, durable, and resistant to sunlight, allowing the artwork to be worn and enjoyed over time. Decoration can also be practical: a favourite jacket with an unremovable stain can be transformed into something even more loved. Bring me your old dress, jacket, or jeans, and we can make it new again. One of my clients spent his entire working life in neutral, formal suits. After retiring, he discovered the pleasure of colour — and his decorated jeans became a joyful declaration: I am ready for all the colours of the world. If you’re looking for a statement piece in your wardrobe — or a creative way to reimagine something you already own — I’d love to help you create it.

Artist and three participants with their results of the workshop

“Workshops at the Australiana exhibition”

There is a particular kind of magic in creating art surrounded by so many artworks. Working within the exhibition space was deeply inspiring, and behind us you could glimpse True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — AUSTRALIANA unfolding around the workshops. I am immensely proud of everyone who took part in the painting workshops during the Australiana exhibition. Scarlett banksia bloomed in every artwork, each one different, each one full of care and attention. The second workshop focused on native flowers, and the results were so strong that it became hard to tell which work was mine and which belonged to the participants. That level of engagement and confidence is something truly special. People often ask how to cope with stress, how to live with worry, how not to feel overwhelmed by the news from Ukraine. My answer is simple: respond in the way you can, and stay connected. Art, shared time, and human presence matter. Thank you to everyone who came to support, create, and be present. I hope these workshops brought moments of light and positive energy. We choose to live fully, to stay strong, stay together, and find joy in art and friendship — despite everything.

Petrykivka - Ukrainian folk painting style

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