Eastern European Folk Art
The most distinctive characteristics of "folk art" concern the materials and creative techniques used. Thus, unlike in more sophisticated art, "folk art" tended to make use of natural substances like wood, straw, clay and so on. Tools tended to be fewer in number but invariably multi-purpose. Items were often (but not always) produced on a smaller scale - perhaps for reasons of portability or cost. (Miniature works are a typical specialty of "folk art".) In contrast to the teaching of elite artforms like conventional painting or sculpture, "folk art skills" were inculcated widely in each generation of the community involved, albeit with some divisions of tasks between the genders, so that most people were productive.
Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, Eastern European artists have challenged dominant artistic movements and pioneered innovative methods and mediums.
The history of Petrikivka painting traces back to the 18th century but also has ancient pagan roots. It is a traditional decorative art that still remains a calling card of Ukraine and central part of the country in particular. With the bizarre ornaments, bright colours and curves, everyone falls in love with this art in a couple of seconds.
The village of Zhostovo outside Moscow has become a symbol of unique folk art. For more than 150 years now many of its inhabitants have been developing the skill of decorating but one thing, trays. Their skillful hands have turned this household utensil into a work of art. Bouquets or garden and field flowers strewn against the black background adorn these trays, giving people joie-de-vivre and awakening admiration over the beauty and diversity of nature.