Tenderness, solidarity sent to Ukraine
People gathered for workshop, fundraiser to make Ukrainian Pysanky eggs
With intricate colour, caring hearts and delicate touches on fragile surfaces, people came together in Digby on March 6 to show their support for the people of Ukraine in a way that is so tender it is the complete opposite of war.
At early count, the event had raised over $4,500 for the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
For more than four decades, Diane Axent has been making Ukrainian Pysanky eggs.
Pysanky is an ancient Ukrainian form of folk art that is as meaningful as it is beautiful. Ancient legend believes that as long as Pysanky eggs are made, goodness will prevail in the world, not evil.
In a gesture of peace and support, Axent led a workshop where she taught 25 people the art of Pysanky. Axent has ties to Ukraine.
Her father is from the country and she has relatives living there.
During the workshop the public was invited to stop in to see the ancient art being created and to make donations to the humanitarian effort. There were also donated auction items.
Asked why she did this, Axent said one night she felt that God had spoken to her.
“I had been crying for days and a voice just said to me, ‘You can do this,’” she said, explaining how she felt following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
But it goes even deeper. Aside from raising funds and awareness, she wants people in Ukraine to know that Nova Scotians stand in solidarity with them.
In her lifetime, Axent has created thousands of Pysanky eggs in the name of healing, peace, celebration and cultural tradition. After the mass shooting in Portapique, she made 22 of the fragile eggs to include in care packages given to families of the victims.
Axent supplied all of the art tools for the workshop. For that she received help. Mary Ayer in Shelburne – who has been supplying Axent with Ukranian egg supplies for over 20 years – sent dozens of tools and colourful dyes to support the event. A flag company in Dartmouth ensured Ukraine flags were couriered to Digby in time for the fundraiser. The Digby Royal Canadian Legion donated its space and refreshments. And on went the list of support and generosity.
“Diane is rallying her community together to support people who need it during
this incredibly sad time, all while showcasing the beautiful Pysanky Eggs,” said Rebecca McLeod of the Red Cross. “This fundraiser is a perfect example of marrying community and culture in order to bring needed help to people who are experiencing an ongoing and increasing conflict.”
McLeod said support has been tremendous for the humanitarian appeal. She said Nova Scotians always step up when people are in need.
Days before the event, Axent was already amazed by the support.
“I’ve gotten messages from people saying thank you for doing this. I was feeling so helpless. A person stopped me in a store and pulled out their wallet and gave me $50. I had someone in Texas send me $100. People in Halifax mailed money. A man in Tim Hortons, 92 years old … gave me $20 and wrote his name on a napkin.”
Axent said it all feels so powerful, at a time when people feel powerless.
“Twenty-five people making Ukrainian eggs in one place, that’s a lot of powerful energy going out into the world,” she said.
While people chatted, there was also quiet and peacefulness as they gingerly worked on their eggs.
“You can see how it is quite therapeutic and meditative,” said Digby-Annapolis MLA Jill Balser who participated.
“I wanted to come to support Ukraine and help out in a way that I could. I just wanted to be here,” said Barb King. “Every donation, every dollar will help.”
Phyllis Harlow also took part because she wanted to support the cause. The added bonus was doing an art workshop, something she’d never done before.
The event was also meaningful for Ryan McIntyre and Al Axent-Hilton, whose families have Ukrainian heritage.
“This just seemed like a great way to be able to celebrate our heritage and contribute to the humanitarian aid,” said McIntyre, who chose the colours of the Ukraine flag in his egg design.
“Whatever we can do for humanitarian aid is a drop in the bucket, but at least it’s something,” said AxentHilton. “Part of the magic of Pysanky is the meditative state you get into . . . just allowing yourself to disassociate
from all of the craziness. But even though there is something to be said for that, there is also being mindful and being aware of why we’re here and what we’re doing this for.”
The word Pysanky comes from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, meaning ‘to write’ or ‘to inscribe.’ Designs are lightly drawn onto the surface of an egg. Wax that is melted by a candle’s flame is applied to define the design. Colourful dyes bring the extraordinary and delicate artistic creations to life.
“Every design used, every colour used, has a message, and that message is positivity or love or strength or goodwill,” said Axent. “Legend believes as long as Pysanky is made, we’re doing something.”