Oleg Gryschenko 2023

I have a deep personal connection to Ukraine and Poland, particularly the region of Galicia where my grandfather was born in Boryslav, now located in modern-day Ukraine. Recently, I spent countless hours driving across Poland and Ukraine developing an even greater appreciation for my distant heritage.

Last year, I had the opportunity to embark on a journey with some good friends to deliver aid to Ukraine, where we donated pick-up trucks filled with much-needed supplies. This experience further strengthened my connection to Ukraine and Poland and inspired me to find an artist to showcase their beauty and cultural richness.

I wanted a design that draws inspiration from the rich history and traditions of these two great nations, capturing the unique crossovers between them celebrating the iconic landmarks and symbols that define their shared heritage.

We are delighted to have collaborated with talented artist Oleg Gryschenko, whose work embodies the spirit of Ukraine. Oleg has produced two limited edition designs for us, each consisting of 80 hand-screened and hand-signed birthday cards.

Drawing inspiration from the stunning artwork of the Lviv region, Oleg has created a truly unique and beautiful collection of greeting cards. His focus is on the 17th century church in Drohobych near Boryslav, and the intricate paintings that adorn its walls.

During a two-month stay in Drohobych, where Oleg was evacuated from Kyiv in the spring of 2022, he immersed himself in the art and culture of the region. He found particular inspiration in the vibrant motifs that are prevalent in much of the artwork.

In creating his designs, Oleg has chosen flowers as a symbol of continued life and prosperity. He has also incorporated metaphorical images of a city with a garden and a ship, which are drawn from the murals in Drohobych church.

The result is a stunning pair of cards that combine the beauty of the region's art with Oleg's unique artistic vision.

Oleg's artistic style is a wonderful blend of traditional Ukrainian folk art with a modern, graphic twist. His designs showcase iconic landmarks and symbols from Ukraine and Poland, and his use of bold colours and intricate patterns create a vibrant and dynamic aesthetic that is sure to delight anyone who appreciates great design.

Please note that these cards are only available to our clients on their birthday, and we choose a different artist each year to produce them. We hope that through our designs and Oleg's incredible artwork, I can share my love for Ukraine and Poland with others, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and cultural richness of these two incredible nations.

You can see more about Oleg here