About Me

I am a 4th generation Ukrainian American and pysanky (Ukrainian egg) artist. The ancient tradition of pysanky has been passed down in my family from my great-grandfather who immigrated to the US in the early 1900’s. Art is in my blood and I enjoy many different forms, but always seem to come back to pysanky. I studied fine art and video game art at the University of Utah and have applied that knowledge to making unique creations, often departing from the traditional folk designs. However, sacred geometry and divisions still form the foundations to most of my designs.

The pysanky process consists of using a batik or wax-resist technique along with modern dyes. I “write” on the eggs using a tool called a kistka, which is a stylus that melts beeswax. Wherever the wax is applied, the dye will be resisted. I usually work from light to dark colors, writing all my white areas first in wax, then dipping the egg into dye and continuing the process until the last color. Then the egg, which is covered in wax lines, is heated to melt the wax and I wipe it away to reveal the finished design.

I have recently learned to apply this same process in the making of eggshell jewelry. Using small whole eggs, or cutting out pieces of eggs, I finish and fill them with an epoxy resin that makes them durable and wearable. I love that my art can then be worn and escape the collectibles shelf, venturing off into the world.

I hope you get joy out of my art, as much as I do in creating it.

-Paulette Platt