Olga Fishchuk, who is an expert in traditional methods of pictorial embroidery, is now offering online resources for expert instruction from her. Her focus is on the style and techniques that were used in the Byzantine Slav world in the 14th-17th centuries. I first came across her work when she was offering in-person workshops in the US, several years ago. It was the well-known icon carver Jonathan Pageau who brought her to my attention.
Olga is Ukrainian and lives in Kyiv. For obvious reasons trips to the US are unlikely in the near future, so she has created these materials to enable people in this country to learn. These instruction materials are available at Ukrainian prices - just $25, which is extraordinarily low.
You can purchase the materials here and read about the Katrusha studio and Olga's work at www.buymeacoffee.com/Katrusya.studio.
The project will offer students master classes at three levels:
The first level is an introduction to the basic methods and techniques of embroidery and needlework, using the example of a simple ornamental composition. The video below illustrates this:
The master class at the introductory level will be interesting not only to those who want to learn ecclesial embroidery, but also to any embroiderers who want to improve and expand their knowledge and skills.
The intermediate level involves the execution of icons with simple embroidered faces.
The advanced level is the embroidery of more complex waist-length and full height icons with embroidered faces and hands.
In addition to the actual master classes, the project will also offer students lectures on the history of pictorial embroidery in the medieval style, as well as other interesting and useful materials on the topic.
Since the master classes are designed for independent study of the material by students, the instructions are very detailed, with a great many photos and diagrams, as well as videos of the process.
The first master class 'flower and vine" materials include:
a 70-page PDF file with detailed step-by-step instructions, including recommendations for choosing materials and tools and a chart for troubleshooting;
70 quality photos; and
15 videos demonstrating how to prepare and execute the work.
Olga's instagram is www.instagram.com/katrusya.studio/
Purchase the class and read about the Katrusha Studio at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Katrusya.studio
