FARGO — Coloring eggs is a practice often linked with the onset of spring and the Easter period for many people. Nonetheless, for Mary Jo Cayley, a resident of Fargo, this artistic pursuit goes beyond seasonal boundaries and remains a year-round passion.
Mary Jo Cayley has devoted an impressive four decades to the intricate craft of pysanky, the elaborate Ukrainian tradition of egg decoration.
The artistry of Pysanky eggs, created by the talented Fargo artist Mary Jo Cayley, beautifully demonstrates the Ukrainian method of embellishing eggs with beeswax and vivid dyes.
“These designs have a rich historical background, spanning over 2,000 years with minimal changes. While I respect the traditional roots, I add my own twist — an American flair,” shared the artist from her home in north Fargo, surrounded by a diverse array of ornamental eggs from chickens, geese, and even ostriches.
Inspired by her mother’s skill in egg artistry, Mary Jo Cayley embarked on this creative journey four decades ago. Despite not coming from a Ukrainian heritage, Cayley’s mother, a French woman with a love for the arts, sparked her daughter’s creativity.
“The techniques and many designs pay homage to tradition, but I incorporate my personal style, keeping them modern and engaging,” explained Cayley.
Exploring Ancient Origins
According to insights from the Ukrainian Museum in New York, the practice of pysanka predates the introduction of Christianity. The term “Pysanka,” referring to a single decorated egg, originates from the Ukrainian word “pysaty,” meaning “to write.”
While this tradition is prevalent in various Slavic cultures, each region showcases slight variations in design. In Poland, these decorated eggs are known as “pisanka,” while in Croatia, they are called “pisanica.”
The meticulous process involves emptying the eggs by creating a small opening at the base, followed by removing the contents either through blowing or suction using specialized tools.
Mary Jo Cayley, a skilled artist from Fargo, uses an electric kistka tool to meticulously apply beeswax on eggs. With over 40 years of experience, Cayley continues to perfect the art of crafting pysanky eggs, characterized by beeswax and dyes.
A fine stylus called a kistka is used to draw intricate wax lines on the egg surface. The kistka’s needle is heated, traditionally using a flame, to allow the wax to flow and create detailed patterns.
The initial wax lines preserve the egg’s white surface, after which the egg is dyed to introduce colors. Additional layers of wax and dye are added, progressing from lighter to darker hues. The final step involves gently heating the egg to remove the wax, revealing a vibrant array of colors.
To create her pysanky eggs, Mary Jo Cayley sources pre-emptied goose eggs, as well as ostrich and chicken eggs, for her artistic endeavors.
“Innovating my techniques over time, I transitioned from using a candle flame to utilizing the oven and later the microwave for wax removal. This advancement significantly streamlined the process, reducing the required time to just 15 seconds,” shared Cayley.
Building a Community
Laurie Baker, a friend of Cayley’s who admires her precision and attention to detail, expressed her admiration for the artist’s work. Despite participating in workshops under Cayley’s guidance, Baker remains amazed by the intricate artistry involved.
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Fargo, where Cayley is actively involved, will host a workshop on pysanky eggs led by the artist on Friday, April 5, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore this captivating art form.
While some designs have stood the test of time for over two millennia, Cayley remains open to customizing eggs to suit individual preferences.
In her home in north Fargo, Mary Jo Cayley meticulously designs pysanky eggs, infusing each piece with her unique perspective. The personal touch she adds to each egg reflects her belief in incorporating an “American twist” into the traditional Ukrainian art form.
“Each egg tells a unique story, capturing the essence of its owner,” remarked Cayley.
With a keen eye for customization, Cayley engages in discussions with potential clients to understand their preferences. By including elements that hold personal significance, such as a favorite color, she aims to create a deeply personal and meaningful work of art.
The exquisite Pysanky eggs, expertly crafted by Fargo artist Mary Jo Cayley, epitomize the Ukrainian tradition of decorating eggs using beeswax and dyes.
Baker, who cherishes two of Cayley’s eggs and plans to acquire an ostrich egg transformed into an urn, attests to the profound impact of Cayley’s creations.
“The way she connects with individuals through the eggs is truly remarkable. Her insights are profound and offer a unique perspective,” shared Baker.
While some designs feature symbolic motifs like the sun or wheat stalks, others leave room for individual interpretation.
The Ukrainian Museum in New York is currently showcasing an exhibition titled “Craft and Design: Pysanka,” highlighting the emotional depth and complexity embodied in each artist’s creation.
Blending Religion and Tradition
Despite its origins predating Christianity, the tradition of Pysanky has found resonance within various religious beliefs, integrating symbolic representations associated with faith.
In a documentary by Prairie Public in 2023, Rev. Martin Nagy of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Belfield, North Dakota, shed light on the Christian symbolism intertwined with the art of pysanky.
“The egg, enclosed within its shell, symbolizes the tomb, while the shell, white, and yolk together represent the trinity. Many pysanky designs incorporate symbols of new life,” explained Rev. Nagy.
North Dakota boasts one of the highest concentrations of individuals of Ukrainian descent in the United States.
With approximately 892,000 Americans identifying as Ukrainian in 2000, regions like Belfield and Wilton in North Dakota exhibit significant percentages of Ukrainian residents in their populations.
Cayley elaborated on the symbolic representation of a net through the traditional design featuring 48 triangles, symbolizing Christ’s teachings of faith to fishermen.
Personal Stories
For Cayley, each egg carries a deep personal connection, going beyond mere artistic expression. Retrieving an intricately adorned goose egg from her collection, she recounted its significance, crafted in memory of a beloved professor.
Using shades of yellow, pink, and red, Cayley symbolized the lecturer’s vibrancy, connection with people, and compassionate nature through her artistic interpretation.
At her home in north Fargo, Mary Jo Cayley displays a pysanky egg created in honor of a departed friend, showcasing the profound emotional depth embedded within each piece.
Baker, deeply moved by the emotional resonance of Cayley’s creations, shared her experience of owning two of the artist’s eggs and expressed her intention to acquire an ostrich egg urn crafted by Cayley.
Ostrich eggs, known for their size, serve as unique vessels for holding cremains, offering a distinctive and personalized memorial option. Cayley’s innovative approach extends to creating urns symbolizing unity and eternal companionship by combining the ashes of loved ones.
Mary Jo Cayley demonstrates her creativity by adorning ostrich eggs and repurposing them as urns, infusing each piece with profound meaning.
“In times of conflict, art can serve as a beacon of hope and unity,” reflected Cayley, envisioning painting symbols of love and peace on blue and yellow eggs, symbolizing solidarity with Ukraine during challenging times.
Recalling an age-old saying she encountered, Cayley shared, “The act of painting eggs signifies the prevalence of goodness, offering solace and hope in challenging times.”