Olena Turyanska

Paper artist

©Anna Rytsar

©Roman Shyshak

Paper and philosophy

Olena is a self-taught paper cutting artist
She used to paint on glass using a Galician technique
She has a degree in interior design

Using only a knife and paper, Lviv based Ukrainian artisan Olena Turyanska creates magical vytynankas, traditional paper cut works. She became interested in this craft back in the 90s attracted by the symmetry and harmony that paper cutting offers. Today, Olena is one of the most renowned vytynanka artists in Ukraine having held numerous solo exhibitions around the world. Her style is instantly recognizable; she uses the traditional folk technique of paper cutting to create distinct art pieces that express her own philosophical perspectives. Olena also regularly participates in interior design projects having decorated many restaurants and private apartments in Lviv and internationally.

Interview

©Anna Rytsar

©Anna Rytsar

What place does vytynanka hold in Ukrainian crafts?: Both vytynanka and icon glass painting are typical for the Galicia region of Ukraine, they are an integral part of local folk art. Traditionally, creating vytynankas was reserved for women and the finished pieces were used to decorate households.
When was a special moment in your career?: One of the most memorable moments for me was when I realised that my art can be “seen” by the visually impaired. Vytynankas are dimensional and that means that people with acute tactile sensations can “read'' my objects.
Is paper cutting an endangered craft in Ukraine right now?: Fortunately, many people are engaged in paper cutting in my country. Also, what’s amazing is that in different regions artisans are using diverse techniques and styles. The vytynanka craft is evolving and I am very happy about it.
What inspires you to create vytynanka pieces?: I find inspiration in many things. It can be nature, people watching, reading books, listening to music. I am passionate about the process of creating a new object from idea to execution and I am driven by this love for my craft.

Olena Turyanska is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1991