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Each piece starts from native Birch wood, which is found in Western
Ukraine. |
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The Birch is rough cut to smaller blocks. |
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The Birch Block is then put on a lathe and turned to a smooth cylinder. |
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Then each of the Birch cylinders are turned by skilled craftsman into
boxes, candlesticks, Pysanky and many other items. No high tech,
computerized milling equipment here. Only old world craftsmanship. |
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The next step is to apply a primer coat and then a special compound
substance so an article takes on a required black base to prepare for
intricate artwork. |
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The final most important stage of the work is the painting itself
which
is done with oil colors by professional artists. Sapfir currently employs
about 15 artists. Each one with thier own style and flair.
Their imagination has no limitation, therefore the number of
ornamental
designs can really be unlimited. Each artist takes authorship
of their work
and each is signed and dated. |
