The Ukrainian Weekly, New Jersey, USA, Sunday,
March 19, 1995
BOOKS:
Toronto artist channels talents into works for children
by: Oleh Chabursky
Signet Publications recently released an enchanting book called “Sonja's First Camp” – the third children's publication by the talented artist Christina Senkiw.
Now in its fifth year, Signet Publications, which was founded by Christina and George Senkiw, continues the very important task of publishing books for children. The Ukrainian community in the diaspora is experiencing a lack of quality children's books – books that not only entertain, but that help to foster the Ukrainian language.
Today, many children aren't necessarily raised in a Ukrainian-speaking environment and so they can't speak or read freely in Ukrainian. It is for this reason that Signet Publications children's books contain English and Ukrainian text.
Such bilingual books enable a child to learn new Ukrainian words, since he or she can easily refer from one text to the next. Apart from their educational value, these books may assist in kindling a love for Ukrainian traditions and culture. Children who don't converse in Ukrainian won't feel isolated from their Ukrainian heritage when reading these books.
The fascinating stories and beautiful illustrations enable these books to be enjoyed by children of all backgrounds. In effect, these books become a way of informing society at large about the Ukrainian community.
Christina Welyhorsky Senkiw was born and raised in Toronto, in a Ukrainian family that placed a special emphasis on preserving and fostering the Ukrainian identity. From an early age, she loved to paint. Her parents and teachers encouraged her to pursue her artistic aptitude. Thanks to her skill in painting, she won a scholarship for study at the prestigious children's studio at the Ontario College of Art.
After graduating from high school, Ms. Senkiw decided to pursue a career in art. In 1973, she received her bachelor of arts in art history and studio from the University of Toronto. Next, she studied illustration and design at the Ontario College of Art. Her early works were abstract paintings. In these works, the viewer recognizes her acute sense and understanding of color. The subtle transitions from one shade to another lead the viewer into a tranquil, philosophical state. From her abstracts, Ms. Senkiw continued exploring and refining a variety of styles and directions in her creative endeavors. To date, her work has been shown in 11 solo exhibitions and in many group shows throughout Canada and the United States.
At one of her exhibitions, Yuri Tkach, an Australian writer and publisher, asked her to illustrate his upcoming book, “History of Ukrainian Costume.” This book was published in English by Bayda Books, Melbourne, in 1986. Ms. Senkiw spent a year working on the 16 color illustrations that chronicle the history of Ukrainian clothing from the Scythian period to the late 17 th century.
Taking on the role of an ethnographer, Ms. Senkiw spent many hours researching the changes and developments in dress that took place throughout the centuries, in the various regions of Ukraine. The factual illustrations not only depict the clothes, head and footwear in question, but objects of everyday use as well. From the handsome portrayal of our ancestors to the detailed rendering of the ornamented costumes, the reader senses the great love and attention that was put into every illustration.
What this writer finds most interesting in Ms. Senkiw's creativity are her works for children. Her series of icons for children are executed in rich, warm colors. The depictions of St. Nicholas, St. George and the Guardian Angel are at once realistic and full of wonder. This makes the child perceive these familiar figures to be friendly and approachable. The carefree smile of the boy and girl who are under the protective wings of their Guardian Angel, the bright, open, sincere faces of the children, the distinct clarity of the primary colors and the two-dimensional perspective, make children feel that the icon is about them. Deliberately simple in composition, these illustrations are easily assimilated by the child's psyche. It is no surprise that these illustrations are much sought gifts for an occasion such as a christening or a first Holy Communion. Children receive these gifts with great joy and delight.
Ms. Senkiw has also created a children's series called “Illustrations For Children.” These are thematic representations of numbers and letters of the alphabet. By looking at the adorable, peaceful depictions of animals or plants, the child effortlessly learns these basic building blocks. Furthermore, the imaginative composition and beautiful execution of this series help in developing the child's esthetic sense.
The newest direction in Ms. Senkiw's creative work is her illustrations for children's books. In 1988, she was asked to draw illustrations for a new children's book, “Timmy And His Helpful Friends.” Ms. Senkiw completed 12 illustrations using gentle pastel colors. She intentionally gave her animals beautiful large eyes because this is where children tend to focus their attention.
Upon seeing her illustrations her friends suggested that she publish this book also in Ukrainian. To do so, the Senkiw's founded Signet Publications. Publishing children's books was a totally new and risky venture for them. Nevertheless, the positive response from parents and children who had seen her illustrations ultimately convinced Christina and George that this was a much-needed and worthy undertaking.
“Timmy Kitten and His Helpful Friends” is a cheerful story about a kitten who is helped by his animal friends. It teaches children that any problem can be solved through cooperation. The success of this book attests to the fact that there is a real need for contemporary, high-quality books for Ukrainian children.
Like many of her peers who grew up in Canada, Ms. Senkiw said she felt the hidden conflict between two cultures, Ukrainian and Canadian. Today, the traditional European folktales don't always help children to understand the reality that surrounds them here in the diaspora.
In “I Want to Dance,” written and illustrated by Ms. Senkiw, the two cultures are brought together. While the book reflects the like of children in North America, it teaches them to be proud of their Ukrainian heritage. The story centers around a young boy who dreams about being a member of a Ukrainian dance group. In order to make his dream come true, he must become strong and fast, and earn enough money to buy a pair of soft red boots. Ms. Senkiw explained, “This is a story about setting goals, overcoming obstacles and fulfilling one's dreams.”
The language of “I Want to Dance” is easy to understand. When reading this book, the child readily relates to Mark, the main character in the story, and his lifestyle. As in the story, the young reader has likely seen or heard of the Ukrainian dance group in his or her Ukrainian community.
Including the cover, the book contains 10 colorful illustrations. The warm, vibrant illustrations are rendered in a clear, realistic style. Every illustration is alive with action and full of energy. This puts the reader into and optimistic and joyous mood. “I Want to Dance” was published in 1991 and has already sold in large numbers in Canada and the U.S.
Signet Publication's newest release, “Sonja's First Camp,” had become very popular with children. Why is it so successful? Perhaps it's because the realistic plot is interwoven with magical elements. The book traces the experiences and adventures of a young girl who goes to her first summer camp. It's a story about friendship and the enchanting eve of Ivan Kupalo. “Sonja's First Camp” will certainly appeal to the many Ukrainian children who have fond memories of their summer camps.
This is the second book Ms. Senkiw has written and illustrated. Writing a text requires a lot of ideas, effort, precision and above all, patience. Before Ms. Senkiw decides upon a final draft, she painstakingly writes and rewrites her text, fine-tuning every word. Next she decides how best to illustrate the story's plot. For “Sonja's First Camp,” Ms. Senkiw drew twelve vivid illustrations that are lovingly framed in flowers and insects of southern Ontario. The harmonious composition, pleasant colors, stylized details, and the reflection of light on the faces of the campers, guide the viewer into a mysterious magical world.
Special mention must be made of the close collaboration between Ms. Senkiw and her mother, Bohdana Welyhorsky. Since Christina's childhood, Mrs. Welyhorsky encouraged her to develop her artistic talents. She recalls, “I allowed Christina to draw on the walls of our house. I would not punish her.” Today, Mrs. Welyhorsky helps her daughter in publishing children's books; she was responsible for the Ukrainian translation of “Timmy Kitten and His Helpful Friends.”
Christina Senkiw searches constantly for new insights, themes and ideas that she later transfers to her works and books. Her multi-faceted creative talents range from the practical business of book publishing to abstractionism.
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