Shown is Ukrainian folk art created by Lois Eastman. Submitted photo
Works of Ukrainian folk art by Lois Eastman, including a display of the process and materials used in creating psyankyi eggs, is on display through June at the Gibbs Library, 40 Old Union Road in Washington.
According to a news release from the library, Eastman began making pysanky when she was 5 years old. Growing up in a household that included her grandparents, she was surrounded by family members engaged in a variety of art forms and Old World traditions. Although her childhood was spent in New Hampshire, she later moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where she established a photography studio.
Eastman later moved to Maine and enjoyed a 20-year career as a high school art teacher. She now resides in Rockland, where she continues to create art.
“The Ukrainian belief is that as long as pysanky are made, goodwill overcome evil,” Eastman said.
“This year, when Russia attacked Ukraine just before Easter, I felt an overwhelming sadness and compassion for the Ukrainian people. I could imagine families having their homes destroyed along with all the beautiful pysanky and other heirlooms that had been carefully saved for generations,” she added.
“A week later, the opportunity presented itself to display artwork at the Gibbs Library. Inspired, I painted a series of egg-shaped canvases to reflect pysanky designs, along with some of the Ukrainian folk stories and traditions I had learned from my grandmother,” Eastman said. “Most pieces are for sale. A percentage of each sale will be donated to Ukrainian relief.
For library hours, visit gibbslibrary.org or call 207-845-2663.
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