The extraordinary painting has been revived and spread throughout Ukraine and abroad recently. Today we speak to Iryna Chyrkova, a leader of art initiative ‘UAMAZE. A CHARMING WORLD OF UKRAINIAN ART’.
‘When we figured out, that only 4 people know this technique in Ukraine and the painting itself is on the verge of decay because the youngest painter is 48 and the oldest one is 79 years old. We realized at once this field deserves a special attention.’ – Mrs. Iryna says.
Mrs. Iryna, you are involved in a very difficult business today. You popularize our cultural heritage in particular Petrykivskyi and Samchykivskyi paintings. Will you be more specific concerning this culture and art?
UAMAZE is an art initiative that contributes greatly in order we can reveal the best Ukrainian decorative art items both in Ukraine, and worldwide. Our art initiative has been in action almost 10 years but we discovered the unbelievable and colorful Samchykivskyi painting 3 years ago. It is a kind of traditional national art of South-Eastern Volyn. It is typical for the village Samchyky of Khmelnytskyi Region. We were shocked when it turned out only 4 craftsmen deal with this technique. The youngest expert had 48 years old and the oldest one had 79 years old. For a few years we managed to implement numerous projects related to paintings. Owing to mutual activity with craftsmen, nearly 70 successors appeared. Last year we got an idea to transform village houses into painted stuff. We worked out a project supported by the Ukrainian Cultural Fund. We were awarded with the grant and the village turned to the art attraction. Now each tourist coming to Samchyky can get acquainted not only with the historical and cultural place but have walks around the unique village where painted houses are created by skilled painters.
In addition, we have a school and workshops of Petrykivskyi and Samchykivskyi paintings for different age groups. Moreover, we produce Ukrainian souvenirs setting up new trends for such goods.
It means you arrange art tours to the village Samchyky. What unique things can any tourist observe there?
Yes, we arrange art tours to the unique village Samchyky and exhibitions in contemporary interactive formats. Samchyky is known not only as a native land of painting but a museum Samchyky with unique architecture. It is a palace of matured classicism with some empire elements of 1790 years surrounded by the park ensemble of 18–19 centuries.
The park has 250 kinds of trees and bushes. Nowadays each visitor of art tour can participate in the Samchykivskyi painting workshop together with one of three existing craftsmen. You can have an excursion around the museum and painted village tasting Ukrainian dishes cooked by locals from traditional products.
You told us about Samchykivskyi and Petrykivskyi painting souvenirs at the beginning of our interview. Where can we find such beauty and get it?
In fact we produce souvenirs with the elements of Samchykivskyi and Petrykivskyi paintings. It provides extra work for painters. We have various souvenirs including plates, cups, notebooks and New Year decorations. We even developed silk handkerchiefs with the ornament of Petrykivskyi and Samchykivskyi paintings. All goods have high quality. A craftsman gives all his soul in every item. Corporate orders from big state and commercial institutions have turned up lately. Each of them we process separately. Let me give you an example. Before Easter we developed a unique corporate order for the company, it included a big painted plate, three Easter eggs and Easter Cup Cake. All the things were packed in the big bright box. Of course, when people got such a present they were impressed. Let me mention that it is very inspiring to introduce Ukraine on such a level. Today our goods are available in stores Duty-free and Kyiv souvenir shops. Here you can find a variety of souvenir products. But you’d better get in touch with us for exceptional individual orders.
What are your nearest plans?
Nowadays, except the above mentioned projects we are working on interior and exterior paintings of children educational establishments, nursing centers and other social institutions. Most of these projects serve for charity goals.
That’s why buying Ukrainian souvenirs in us each of you contributes to the development of Ukrainian art personally! Join us!
