World of Hot Enamels: Tetiana and Serhiy Kolechko
The work of Tetiana and Serhiy Kolechko is made using the very special ancient technique of hot enamel on copper. The first information about such enamel workpieces dates back to the 13th century BC. The most famous is the Byzantine work of the Golden Age of the X-XI centuries AD - beautiful pieces of jewelry, book bindings, glasses and crosses. Later, this technique developed most notably in France, especially in Limoges. Artwork by Georgian enamellers, artists from China and Japan are also well-known. The enamels of Serhiy and Tetiana Kolechko resemble jewelry and are as valuable as such. How is such work created? A copper plate is coated with a paint that resembles glass. After that, the plate has to be baked in a special oven from four to ten or even up to forty times, and then the fire plays its role as a magical purifier. There is a process of almost alchemical release of colors, revealing nuances, emphasizing transparent layers and further deepening the color combination. To work with this technique, you need to have a special talent. Knowledge and intuition control all creative processes, because if the artist loses it to the fire, the result would be devastating. Tetiana and Serhiy are wonderful artists. Their path to mastery took many years. In the early 1980s, they graduated from the Odesa Art College. Since then, they have been working in oil painting and graphics, exhibiting their work at Ukrainian and international exhibitions, and teaching international enamel courses.
Tetiana and Serhiy Kolechko refer to the best examples of world enamel and at the same time continue to develop their own style and the unique character of their work. Moreover, they have been working together for many years. That is why their enamels complement each other, personifying the unity of opposites that always exist in a real family and in true creativity. For "man and woman are one, one flesh and one spirit!"
Dr. Olesia Avramenko
Serhiy and Tetiana Kolechko are both laureates of the Kateryna Bilokur State Prize (2017) and have participated in more than 100 solo and joint exhibitions in Ukraine and around the world. In Ukraine, in particular, in the "Ukrainian House", in exhibition hall in St. Sophia of Kyiv; in Italy (1999), in Germany (2001), one of which was in the Enamel Museum of Himmerod Abbey, in the National Museum of Art of Serbia (2008), on the premises of the United Nations Office in France (2010), in Trinity Church in Boston (2023), Gallery@Firs, Bedford, MA (2023), Loading Dock Gallery, Lowell, MA (2024), Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA (2024).
They were invited to show their knowledge and to led workshops for enamel makers in France and Germany. The work of Tetiana and Serhiy Kolechko are in the collections of museums around the world (Ukraine, Italy, Germany, USA) and in private collections (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, USA, Turkey, Ukraine, Japan, and others).
Tetiana Kolechko, Fruits of Happiness
18x26 in, hot enamel on copper, 2011
Today, Tetiana and Serhiy Kolechko live and work in Ukraine. In January 2023, they had an exhibition in Kyiv.
Together with their teacher Oleksandr Borodai, Tetiana and Serhii Kolechko built the first oven for baking hot enamels on copper using old classical technology in modern Ukraine. It took a lot of courage to do this, because the soviets destroyed all the old ovens that had existed in Ukraine before. This is the oven they use today. The masterpieces we are showing you here are baked in that historical oven!
The Kolechko couple continues their important mission in their homeland, despite the circumstances, affirming the victorious power of life!
Tetiana Kolechko, Still life
19x24 in, hot enamel on copper, 2011
(in a private collection, USA)
The work of Tetiana Kolechko gives the observer a feeling of joy, like contemplating a miracle with a gentle touch of the sun. Serhiy Kolechko's work requires thoughtfulness and may seem quite complicated at first. But after slowing down and discovering the symbolic images depicted in them, the viewer becomes an enchanted admirer.
Sky, snow, fields, birds, flowers, ocean, sea... Everything can inspire and turn into beauty caught in a painting. You can see the diptych by Serhiy Kolechko "Music overheard in the garden. Spring" and "Music overheard in the garden. Summer" and peering at the images, symbols, figures and their clothing. I wonder who these wonderful people are, that celebrate life. Are they ancient or modern Ukrainian Greeks, Tatars, or perhaps the ancient Scythians who once lived on the lands where Ukraine is today?
Ukraine became a home to many people who nurtured apple trees and grapes, sang and danced while waiting to pick the harvest that gave them creative inspiration and affirmed their love for life. Only an artist can create such a miracle − by capturing a moment of the celebration of life and turning it into eternity, embodying it in the beauty of imperishable enamel.
Serhiy Kolechko
Music overheard in the garden. Summer
hot enamel on copper, 2017
QUESTION TO THE ARTISTs: “WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO THE AMERICAN VISITORS OF THE EXHIBITIOn”?
Tetiana Kolechko (Mai 2023): "I want to thank the Americans for their support and assistance to Ukraine in this difficult time. I am very glad to have the chance to introduce my art. No matter where we live, we have a similar reaction to the beautiful and the ugly. We love the warmth that arises when we meet our friends and relatives, and we grieve the losses. So I think my work will be understood even across the ocean, because we have common values and joys!”
Serhiy Kolechko (Mai 2023): "Nowadays, it is hard to be present at the exposition of our art work, to communicate with the audience and to talk about the modern art of Ukraine, about our feelings and our current reality. But I am sure that our work will tell you something about our worldview, and you will get feelings of warmth and appreciation of this part of our culture. It is known that art is a universal language in which people all over the world communicate, feel and understand and also are enriched spiritually. It is also important for us to express our gratitude to you, the Americans, for supporting us in defending our bright, life-affirming ideals, in protecting our very ancient culture, the now greatly endangered lives of our people and the very existence of our country. I especially thank Mrs. Natalka Proskura and her husband, Mr. Vlad Shapiro. Their devotional attitude and love for Ukraine and its culture made it possible to introduce you to this small part of our work. May communication with our art make you feel our gratitude and bring joy to your souls.
Tetiana Kolechko
Guardian Angel, hot enamel on copper, 2020