“Beadwork in Ukraine: Past Present & Future”

Slide presentation was launched Sep 21, 2004 at Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild, MI.

About the presentation:

See the rich legacy of beadwork from Ukraine. In the past each region had its own distinctive style and people could tell exactly where someone was from by their folk dress and accessories. As there were no ‘beadwork’ patterns, Ukrainians incorporated traditional embroidery patterns in netting and loomwork. This eventually evolved into broad collars and loomed pieces done in contemporary colors. These bead pieces have a distinctive look and yet can easily be worn with today’s fashions. Maria will also show how beadwork is evolving in independent Ukraine today. The new work resembles nothing from the past and shows how the universality of the bead movement.

Presentations:

• Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild, Royal Oak, MI – Sep 2004
• Ukrainian Heritage Center, Manor College, Philadelphia, PA – Oct 2004
• Wild West Bead Society, Dallas, TX – May 2005
• Dallas Bead Society, TX – May 2005
• Toronto Bead Society, ON – Jan 2006
• New York Bead Society, NY – Apr 2006
• Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Winnipeg, MB – May 2006
• South Jersey Bead Society, Moorestown, NJ – Apr 2008
• Ukrainian National Museum, Chicago, IL– Jun 2008
• Bead Society of Greater Chicago, IL – Nov 2008

"Contemporary Beadwork in Ukraine”

Powerpoint presentation was launched at the Toronto Bead Society on Jan 14, 2009, Ukrainian New Year’s Day.

About the presentation:

Fresh from Ukraine, Maria has had a chance to pull the best photos of the most fascinating beadwork seen in her many recent trips. See several bead artists/vendors at the Vernisage, a piazza full of folk art next to the Lviv Opera. Visit master craftspeople’s homes where you can see their beadwork in progress and finished masterpieces. Museum visits yielded some contemporary pieces in the “Fondy” archives in addition to the historic beadwork from the XIX to mid XX centuries. Check out the beaded eggs which were inspired by “pysanky” (batik-style Easter eggs). See several different techniques used to create traditional motifs in beads — a feast for the eyes.  Marvel at solidly bead-embroidered floral Bukovynian “sorochky” (shirts), “horbotky” (overskirt wraps) and “keptari” (vests) from the 1950’s. This is new compared to the motifs on folk costumes from the olden days.

See different techniques of loomweaving ranging from fashionable medallions and swags to a 300-warp thread window frame loom for a beaded landscape. Beaded flowers come in all shapes and techniques. There are 3-D beads-on-wire framed floral arrangements made by children from 5 to 11th grade in Kolomyya. See the different ways flowers can be embroidered with bugles and seeds – from flat to 3-D wall hangings, icons and clothing. There is no end to what can be done in netting: collars, ‘V’s embellished on top or with motifs beaded right in the netting to outside of teacups.

“Meet” the authors of new Ukrainian beadwork books and glimpse at brand new beading magazines available by subscription or at special craft supply shops. See some very unique beadwork from independent Ukraine which resembles nothing from the past! Come and be inspired!

Presentations:

• Tampa Bead Café, FL – Mar 2009
• UCWLC St. Demetrius Branch, Toronto, ON – Apr  2009
• Ukrainian National Museum, Chicago, IL – Jun 2009