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ARTEFACT/01 ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Artifacts of the Free Land. Barvinok
The "Barvinok" candle is the first limited artifact, embodying the symbolism of our ancestors' eternal life in a contemporary form.
History of Creation
We met quite recently and immediately felt warmth and trust toward each other. We were united by our love for creating unique things, attention to detail, shared aesthetics, symbolism, and deep respect for Ukrainian culture.
The idea of doing something together arose naturally. We started with a big brainstorming session, discussing what the item should be like and what meanings we wanted to embed in it. Very quickly, we realized: everything we wanted to express could not be contained in a single object. That’s how the idea of an entire cultural collection was born:
«Artifacts of the Free Land» — is a cultural project in which the memory of generations takes shape. It is a way to feel and comprehend our connection to our lineage through contemporary objects, in which symbols, charms, rituals, embroidery, — all that has shaped the nation’s code and the spiritual development of Ukrainians — gains new resonance, a new form, while preserving their strength and meaning.
The first artifact was "Barvinok" – a candle that embodies the symbol of eternal life, memory, and resilience.
TAKE BARVINOK HOME
Barvinok has long accompanied Ukrainians in the most important moments of life: it was woven into wedding wreaths, planted near the home as a talisman, embroidered on towels and shirts as a sign of love and loyalty. It stays green even in winter, reminding us that life goes on despite the cold and darkness. It was with this symbol that we decided to start the collection.
Illustration: Yuliia Lubina
Functionality
In this collaboration, we immediately identified two main directions — functionality and uniqueness.
"Barvinok" consists of two candles made of natural soy wax in a handmade ceramic mold.
Once they burn down, the artifact can be used in any convenient way: as a cup for your favorite drinks, a small bowl for treats, a dish, a pot for plants, or a jewelry holder.
We wanted the candle to live with you for many years, changing its role, moving from home to home, taking on new forms and purposes, but always bringing the essence of barvinok into your space.
The scent
The scent of Barvinok is a warm and deep breath of nature. The soft, resinous-honey warmth of amber envelops the space with coziness and light. Notes of "sea-washed wood" add a dry woody tone with subtle salty-marine nuances. The final note is oak moss with green-earthy tones, giving the fragrance persistence and natural depth.
Message
This artifact is the result of our shared sense of Ukrainian identity.
We immersed ourselves in the symbols endowed by our culture and aimed for them to resonate in a contemporary form.
"Barvinok" is a limited creation into which we poured emotions, energy, love for Ukrainian culture, and the desire to create something authentic and long-lasting.
We sincerely hope that everyone who has a Barvinok at home will feel warmth, see in it a piece of our land, and sense the deep meanings we have embedded.
Nelli and Maria
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