Blue and Yellow

It is almost impossible to believe that in less than two short weeks, the very colours blue and yellow would become synonymous with the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people as they battle for their lives, their homes and freedom.

These dark days have also seen an outpouring of art being produced in favour of Peace. All saying No War. Ever. Illustrators, photographers, painters, sculptors, digital artists all making work to support Ukraine.

One of the simplest but most striking is the work of illustrator Pawel Jonca who recently created a poster entitled "Russian bear ", showing a bear walking on a LEGO brick.

You can get the poster here, by paying ANY amount. to support Ukraine . In the thank-you email for your support you will find a LINK to download the poster in high resolution for self-printing.

I have also found myself deeply moved by Motankas, which I don’t think I had ever seen a fortnight ago

Motankas are ancient Ukrainian family talismans. They are the symbol of prosperity, goodness and hope. Then first knotted dolls appeared about 5,000 years ago, and represented the unity of the family and deep connection between multiple generations.

I first came across them on the site Ukieology who featured the work of an artist local to them in Saskatoon, Canada called Natalia Garmasar, who makes wonderful Motanka dolls for them. She follows traditional ways of making these dolls and each is done with love and care.

The name "motanka" comes from the word “motaty” (to wind) ie to make a knotted doll out of fabric, without using a needle and scissors. Motanka served as a talisman of human destiny and our ancestors believed that destiny cannot be pierced or cut. Generally dolls were in the shape of a human figure, usually a woman or a child, and were made from pieces of fabric from old clothes of family members connected by knots.

Each doll was unique and made with only good intentions and sincerity as it was believed that it has power and will act as a protector of a household and it’s inhabitants.

Motankas differ from ordinary dolls by "empty" faces. Our ancestors believed that giving the doll a face could tie a person's soul to it. Therefore faces have no facial features and instead the Motanka dolls have multicoloured threads laid out in a cross shape across the face instead. The cross is a pagan symbol of the Sun where horizontal lines meant feminine, and vertical - masculine.

Motankas were made by women using the lunar calendar. On the full moon the doll was created for protection; on the descending moon- to protect from diseases and failures; Motanks made during the ascending moon were for achieving a good result in any business.

It was forbidden to make dolls on Friday and Sunday, because these days belong to the goddess of women's diligence and needlework, Makosha. A doll had to be made in one day using natural fabrics and threads. The winding of the doll was to be carried out only clockwise, always accompanied by positive thoughts.

During these hellish days we send our love, our prayers and every positive though we can to Ukraine…

Queen Marie

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