Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 58 the egg whole because the egg has its own magic," she explained. "If the egg is blown out, the magic is lost." An egg's insides usually evaporate in about two years because it is porous. Santa Maria uses whole eggs as much as possible in her art to honor that tradition but will occasionally blow out eggs for display, exhibition, and commission. The art of pysanky involves prayer rituals that also stem from Ukrainian tradition, and many of her work- shop attendees are descendants of Ukrainian immigrants who want to learn the art. "It's an honor, a gift, and a privilege to give back to that community," she said. "There's a thirst from people who want to con- nect with their culture and do some- thing new." Engaging in the art of pysanky is solitary but Santa Maria leads her workshops in a communal cir- cle which makes the participants feel comfortable, encouraged, and empowered. "I'm enlightened when I hear the stories passed down by generations about the traditions of the eggs. Participants create heir- looms for their families that will live in their china cabinets for gen- erations to come," she said. "People leave my workshops with a deeper understanding of the culture, the art, and themselves." Historically speaking, many people do not realize that the art of pysanky was commonly done in secret. "Back in Ukraine, it was a religious prac- tice, and at times, artists had to hide their work because they did not have religious freedoms like we have in America. When immigrants assim- ilated to American life, the art was lost. I try to bridge the gap and keep the tradition alive," she said. Each spring, Santa Maria follows the modern tradition of burying an egg in front of her home at the beginning of the season. "It's my way of preserving the idea that these eggs have magic. Eggs were buried in fields, under coops, under beebox- es, and at the entrances of homes to transfer fecundity to the earth for good health of the family, live- stock, and coops," she explained. While many associate pysanky with spring and look to the art as a way to celebrate the changes in seasons, she typically creates pysanky from late summer through May. "There's comfort in the dark months to settle into a space and do this for yourself. What more appropriate time than winter or a rainy spring day to create something beautiful?" Engaging in pysanky art has many benefits, including its ability to be done in a small space, such as in an apartment or studio. "It incorporates techniques from painting, ceramics, and drawing, everything I love about mixed media in one form," she said. Another advantage of pysanky is that it can aid in reducing stress and anxiety. "This type of work is very meditative for me, and the flow state I experience when I'm creating pysanky is like nothing else I've ever experienced." The main tool used in pysanky is a type of stylus called a "kistka" that features a metal cup with a very small hole on the bottom and a point to transfer the wax to the egg after it has been heated by a candle's flame. The wax functions as a sealer for the color of the dye underneath. While Santa Maria favors a traditional kistka, she will occasionally use an electric one to maintain the wax's consistency, particularly when using black wax. JERSEY SHORE PEOPLE IN THE FLOW, continued from page 57 "This type of work is very meditative for me, and the flow state I experience when I'm creating pysanky is like nothing else I've ever experienced," says Santa Maria. courtesy of Jenny Santa Maria

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