6 May 2024, UKRAINIAN EGG DYEING with Tanya Scharaschkin - Limited places available!

Learn how to create beautiful dyed eggs using a traditional Ukrainian method with botanical artist and scientist Dr Tanya Scharaschkin from Tasmania!

• Dates: 6 May 2024
• Day/Times: Monday, 9.30am - 1.30pm ( 4 hours)
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

This promises to be something completely different for a fun activity on a Monday morning! Join our tutor Tanya to learn the 'Art of Pysanka' egg dyeing techniques from Ukraine. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write" or "to inscribe," as the designs are not painted on, but written (inscribed) with beeswax.

Our emphasis will be on learning the techniques to create dyed eggs, and decorating one egg with traditional Ukrainian folk patterns and designs using a wax-resist method.  This will enable you to then create your own designs inspired by Australian native flowers or leaves in your own time. 

Prerequisites: No prior experience is required.

Materials: All materials will be provided, and please bring along an apron. 

 About the tutor: 

Dr Tanya Scharaschkin is a botanist, artist and teacher. Tanya is intrigued by patterns in nature and is keen to share the beauty of plants that she sees at different scales as a botanist. Her artwork combines traditional botanical art with photography and digital art using a variety of media. She hopes her art will inspire others to not only admire plants but also develop an understanding and appreciation for the biology of plants.  

 Tanya is an enthusiastic and well-organised instructor. Her lectures, talks and workshops enable the general public to understand scientific concepts. Tanya conducts a variety of workshops as a way of sharing her enthusiasm for plants and bringing art and science together.

 Tanya was born and brought up in Pakistan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s in Science degree in Zoology from Pakistan, followed by a Master’s degree in Vertebrate Paleontology and a PhD in Plant Systematics from the US. Much of her academic career was spent at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. She is now a free-lance botanist and artist, living and working in Collinsvale, Tasmania. Most of Tanya’s projects incorporate a botanical theme, although she has designed, made and exhibited mathematically-motivated quilts. Her artwork is held in private collections, in Australia and overseas.

 Image: Dr Tanya Scharaschkin