Mariya Dykalo

Artist : Mariya Dykalo

Title : EGG Art

Medium : Acyrlic

About

Mariya Dykalo, originally from Lviv, Ukraine, has spent her twenty-five year career passionately immersed in art and design. She began at the National Academy of Art, specialising in ‘Ready to Wear’ and Accessories Design, followed by an MA in Arts and Design focused on Leather and Accessories. Mariya moved to England at 28 to join Aspinal of London's Design Department, where she created the first iconic handbag designs and served fourteen years as Creative Director, overseeing creations worn by figures like HRH Princess of Wales and celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Taylor Swift. Today, as Artistic Executive Designer at Aspinal, Mariya leads seasonal collections and collaborative projects while working on the launch of her Fine Art website to showcase her diverse portfolio. Mariya Dykalo champions sustainability in all her work and her deep commitment to the environment shines through her Art and collaboration projects. Nature inspires her Art and she has long been vocal about the critical importance of protecting the environment and ecological systems. It has been a natural fit to collaborate with organisations who champion preservation and protection of the planet, working on projects where proceeds support environmental causes. Her partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation, where her Fine Art pieces graced Aspinal’s luxury Silk Scarves, raised awareness and funds for oceanic protection. As an amateur bee keeper in West Sussex, Mariya is well aware of the critical importance of bees to the ecological system, and champions local initiatives with the Bee Line Foundation and Trees for Downs for South Downs National Trust Park, contributing to conservation efforts in her community. Deeply connected to her Ukrainian heritage, Mariya has worked tirelessly since the outbreak of war to raise awareness and funds for those most affected, actively supporting numerous Ukrainian charities centred around women and children. Since 2022, she has partnered with the Olena Pinchuk Foundation, designing leather and silk accessories with motifs such as the sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine, symbolising hope and peace. Proceeds from these initiatives benefit projects like the critical 'Mobile Clinics for HIV-positive Children' and women's support shelters across Ukraine. In the UK, Mariya leads Creative Art workshops at St Mary’s Ukrainian school in London, offering art therapy sessions titled “Our Planet of Dreams” to nurture a sense of belonging for displaced Ukrainian children.

Threads of Hope: Ukraine’s Story Told Through Egg Art

“My latest creation, "Egg Art," is a heartfelt tribute to my homeland, Ukraine, which has endured unimaginable devastation over the past two and a half years of war. Through my art, I express not only my love for my country but also the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people.

The egg’s blue ombré background represents the peaceful sky of Ukraine, while the bright yellow sunflowers, a symbol of the nation, honour those affected by the tragic conflict. These sunflowers remind us of the strength and endurance of the people trapped and impacted by the ongoing war.

Encircling the egg are delicate golden wires, symbolizing invisible threads that connect and unite the people of Ukraine. These threads represent the unbreakable bonds of support, unity, and hope, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the power of solidarity helps people stay positive and hopeful.

This artwork is deeply personal to me, it reflects the strength of the Ukrainian people, and I hope it serves as a reminder that, even in times of great hardship, hope and unity will see us through.”

Mariyadykalo.com  @mariyadykalo