The Ancient Oak

Wycinanki ([vɨt͡ɕiˈnaŋkʲi]) is the traditional decorative art of Polish papercutting. (This Slavic form of art is called (Vytynanky (Витина́нки) in Ukraine or Vycinanki (Выцінанкі) in Belarus.) Wycinanki originated using shepherd’s sheep shears to cut designs out of tree bark and leather, and traditionally, are cut freehand, with no preliminary sketching. Shapes, objects and colors have meaning and sometimes tell a story.
The oak tree often appears in Polish folk art as a symbol of the Gods. It was believed that the oak tree has a soul and represents life itself. Trees also hold meanings of growth and change.
The work is framed using conservation materials. While this piece is sold, I can create a similar, original piece of art.