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Hutsul Handcrafts Exhibit by Strynadiuk Family

25.05.2022 14:15

Ivano-Frankivsk region Handicrafts

In little Kosiv there is a little private workshop and museum with the odd name KOKA, operated by the Strynadiuk family of wood carvers. They attract visitors from all over the world. KOKA represents a mix of traditional and modern aesthetics sought by lovers of customary wood carving and art collectors. On display are Hutsul antiquities and a collection of vintage Polish vessels alongside family carvings like ornamental icons, plates, boxes, paintings, replicated hand-carved crosses and a selection of traditional and modern Hutsul jewelry.

Mykola is the family head. His childhood nickname was Koka. He has been carving for over thirty years using the same techniques as his ancestors to make Hutsul carvings, paintings, pysanky eggs, brass works, glass and tile mosaics. Mykola’s works are always bold, at times provocative. You might find in one of his collages pysanky egg shells, bits of embroidery work, pieces of old Hutsul clothing like distress leather breeches with intricate decorations. Mykola calls his work “modern antiquity”. He has visualized his images and forms since childhood and overtime makes them into finished works.

Koka’s carvings are complemented with the works of his sons Bohdan and Zakhar. Bohdan makes wooden jewelry and small souvenirs. Bohdan’s wife Olha helps him paint his work and paints icons on glass and wood in her spare time. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the family museum. It could take several hours to chat with the owners, look at the exhibits and watch the master carvers at work. There is a variety of tools in use for rough cuts and precise incisions, straight lines and curves. You won’t find any modern automation - it’s all done by hand.