A Living Language of Colour. Petrykivka is a vibrant Ukrainian folk art style that originated in the village of Petrykivka. It is known for its intricate floral, natural, and animal motifs, traditionally painted on white backgrounds. These compositions symbolise harmony, life, and protection, and for generations have been used to decorate homes, everyday objects, and communal spaces. Today, Petrykivka is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural identity through decorative painting.
This tradition has always been close to my heart. What distinguishes Petrykivka from other painting styles is the way it is created — everything is built from expressive brushstrokes that feel like footprints left by different brushes and tools, sometimes even fingertip marks. Each stroke is visible, intentional, and alive, forming complex patterns through simple gestures.
Petrykivka is also unapologetically colourful, ornate, and joyful. Its energy comes from abundance rather than restraint, from movement rather than symmetry. These qualities resonate deeply with me. They speak of celebration, optimism, and a connection to nature that feels both playful and profound.
For me, Petrykivka is more than a decorative style. It is a visual language that carries memory, emotion, and identity — one that continues to inspire my work and reminds me of the power of colour, rhythm, and hand-made marks to tell stories across time and place.
From time to time, someone commissions a portrait not simply as an artwork, but as a way to preserve a presence — a face, a character, a moment in life meant to last beyond the present. Portraits hold a unique place in art because they are created with the future in mind, becoming part of a family’s visual history. When I work on a portrait, my focus goes beyond likeness. I look for what makes a person recognisable to those who love them — a certain expression, a posture, a quiet strength or warmth that speaks of who they are. These details are often subtle, but they are what transform a portrait into something deeply personal. Commissioned portraits are often created to mark important moments: a milestone, a legacy, or a tribute. Over time, they become witnesses to family stories, passed from one generation to the next, carrying memory, identity, and connection. For me, creating a portrait is a shared process built on trust and attentiveness. It is about honouring the individual and creating a work that will continue to speak long after the sitting has ended — a lasting memory, held in paint.
Spring Gives Us Hope was a fundraising exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, held at Mona Vale Pop-Up Gallery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches from 17–28 October 2022. Unstoppable in our commitment, we continued to paint, exhibit, and raise funds to support those in need, using art as a way to respond, connect, and help. The exhibition was filled with colour and optimism — flowers, birds, and vibrant palettes came together to reflect renewal, resilience, and the emotional lift that spring brings. It was an uplifting visual response during a difficult time, offering light and hope through art. We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, and purchased artworks. Your generosity made a real difference. Knowing that, once again, art could help support the people of Ukraine is something that continues to warm our hearts.
