Spotlight on the Newcomer Artist in Residence at C.B.S. Library: Hanna Furs

From a stunning canvas of sea waves splashing upon beach rocks before an endless blue sky, to intricately painted pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), Hanna Furs' skill and talent seems to know no bounds.

For the multidisciplinary artist (who fled the war in Ukraine and moved to Newfoundland with her son almost exactly a year ago), art is her passion, a means of self expression, and a way to stay connected to her culture.

Artist Hanna Furs displays one of her paintings at the CBS Public Library. Photo: Katie Rowe, CBC.

Now, thanks to a partnership between CBC and Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries, Hanna is sharing her passion and skills with others while making new connections in the community.

From now until the middle of August, Hanna is working out of the new public library in Conception Bay South as the Newcomer Artist in Residence. The program is funded through CBC’s national Library Partnerships Program, which aims to develop partnerships with libraries across the country so CBC/Radio-Canada can engage more deeply with Canadians.

During her residency, Hanna is hosting an “open studio” at the library (on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm until August 16) where visitors can meet her and learn more about her work. Visitors can also create art with Hanna during one of her free community workshops. The first session on June 10 saw participants try their hand at egg decorating using a kistka, a special pen that holds hot wax. (Her next workshops will take place on July 8, July 15 and August 12. Click here for details.)

Participants enjoy a pysanky workshop with Hanna Furs at the CBS Library on June 10.

Katie Rowe, Community Engagement Producer with CBC Newfoundland and Labrador, says the 2.5 hour workshop, which brought together people of all ages, "passed by in a blink." The arts, she adds, connects people in a way that nothing else can.

"We pitched the idea of having a newcomer artist in residence because of the power art has to connect people. It transcends boundaries. Despite different cultures, languages, or histories, art unites us. And as I saw firsthand on Saturday, art is an incredible ice-breaker...eight strangers came together to learn how to make pysanky eggs. It wasn’t long before they were all chatting, complimenting each other’s efforts and learning more about each other. It naturally became a very supportive and open environment. It was beautiful!” she says.

"All the attendees also had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Ukrainian culture from Hanna. She shared legends and the meanings behind the common symbols used when decorating pysanky eggs. Many of the workshop attendees were inquiring about where they could purchase materials so they could continue making eggs on their own.”

We caught up with Hanna to learn more about her work and her residency at the Conception Bay South Public Library.

Business & Arts NL: Can you tell us a bit more about your work as an artist? Are you mostly focused on visual arts?

Hanna Furs: I am a versatile artist who knows various techniques and genres. My interests are not limited to visual art. I am passionate about dance, photography, cinema, music, modern technology, and many other things. Art for me is not just work, but a way of life. The laws of harmony, and world structure, are the same regardless of direction. The presence of art in our lives stimulates human sensitivity to [our] surroundings and the world. This is what distinguishes a person from an animal. We can understand and create art. I would say that this is how people save themselves from self-destruction.

Business & Arts NL: How is your residency at the library in Conception Bay South going so far? What’s been the best or the most rewarding part for you?

Hanna Furs: I am really happy that I can work in the library because books help me explore the culture and history of Newfoundland and Labrador. An artist is always looking for inspiration. The knowledge of previous generations is what we are, it is what inspires and enriches us.

I do a lot of reading and research and talk to the locals. In conversation with people, I get to know Newfoundland, its heritage, and its people. Books preserve the wisdom of previous generations, what could be more useful? If you want to get to know people, get to know their culture. Listen more, read, and share what you have.

Business & Arts NL: I understand you’re also hosting four community workshops during your residency, the first of which took place last week. Can you tell us a bit more?

Hanna Furs: I am always happy to share my knowledge, skills, and energy. Art fills and heals. When you create, you grow and get to know yourself and the world better. And it's beautiful seeing happy faces looking at newly created works. My workshops include work with various materials: natural materials, paint, paper, threads, and lace. Pysanky (painting on the eggs), monotype, vytynanky (paper cutting), and even a traditional Ukrainian doll. We will create art together and enjoy new experiences.

Business & Arts NL: What kinds of artworks have you been working on during your residency?

Hanna Furs: I plan to combine the two cultures of NL and Ukraine, and create unique works in various techniques and genres. Decorative and painting techniques, history, and modernity.

Business & Arts NL: What would you like people to know about your work as an artist?

Hanna Furs: I would say [to] people, not only about my art, but about art in general: Look deeper and explore. Stay longer and listen to your feelings. What images arise that the artist wants to convey to you personally? First of all, through art, you get to know yourself and the world better. Stand for at least five minutes and think. I think that looking at the work of any artist, a person experiences his own unique experience...An artist should make a person stop and think. You are part of something great, don't forget that. Take care of yourself and those around you. I hope my art helps people understand that.