Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 57 The art of pysanky, which is dec- orating raw eggs using a wax-resist batik method, dates back to the pre-Christian era and is particularly significant in Ukrainian and Polish culture and heritage. In fact, the word "pysanky" stems from the Ukrainian word "pysaty" which translates into English as "to write." Santa Maria actually considers herself a "Batik Egg Artist'' because she lacks the cultural heritage found in traditional pysanky artists. "Without any Ukrainian, Polish, or Russian heritage, I am in a unique situation," she explained. "Someone on the outside took a liking to me when I was studying at Montclair State University in 2009. I babysat for her son, but without a daughter to pass down her pysanky tradition, she took me under her wing and taught me how to do it." Santa Maria knew immediately that she'd dedicate her life to the batik-process of drawing on eggs. "Most people learn the art of pysanky as a child, but I did not begin learn- ing until I was twenty years old. It's a challenge to reach mastery," she said. "I find the artwork to be supremely beautiful in color and imagery." According to Slavic cultural and religious traditions, the egg is seen as a sign of protection. "Tradition that stems from Pagan times is to leave continued on page 58 The art of pysanky, which is decorating raw eggs using a wax-resist batik method, dates back to the pre-Christian era and is particularly significant in Ukrainian and Polish culture and heritage. courtesy of Jenny Santa Maria Jill Ocone

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