Iryna Vian

Medovi Svichky

Candle maker

©Bohdana Tkach

Candles from the soul

Iryna is a passionate candle maker
She started in 2014 and opened her workshop in 2020
She uses many candle making techniques to create a varied selection of objects

The passion for making candles came early in Iryna Vian's journey. She observed her grandfather making rolled candles in her childhood. In 2014, Iryna finally decided to fully devote herself to the craft. Today, she is among the most well-known and sought-after candle making artisans in Ukraine. Over the years Iryna has mastered different candle making techniques. Her assortment includes objects that have been rolled, cast, dripped, and dipped. She works with various shapes and sizes, too. Iryna can create up to 200 candles daily at her workshop in Rivne, which she opened in 2020. She crafts predominantly with beeswax. Most recently, Iryna started teaching her craft at her workshop and she currently has one apprentice.

Interview

©Bohdana Tkach

©Bohdana Tkach

In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: Candle making is a craft that is very characteristic of the region I am from. It has been continuously practised and perfected in Rivne since the Middle Ages. Moreover, certain cultural values of our region are embedded in the making of a candle.
What inspires you to make candles?: God serves as one of my main inspirations. Another one is nature. My objects serve as a spiritual expression of my creativity and its transformation in a modern manner. Also, my source of inspiration comes from the fact that I feel like I am in the right spot.
How did you decide to start making candles?: I am a self-taught candle maker and I started doing that because it made my heart beat faster. Ever since making my first object, I have felt it was a God-given road to take for me. I just answered the call. I have no regrets, I love everything about this craft.
What can you suggest to young people who want to practise this craft?: Firstly, I would advise those who just started doing candle making to listen to themselves. The candles turned my life into 'before' and 'after', so it is a powerful craft. Another piece of advice is not to get attached to money and to set the goal of creating something beautiful instead.

Iryna Vian is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2014 and she started teaching in 2021