Ewa Korniluk is a master of woodcarving (snycerstwo), a craft that serves as the visual signature of the traditional wooden architecture in the Podlasie region.

Growing up in Hajnówka—a historic timber industry hub—Ewa inherited her passion for wood from her grandfather, who spent his life crafting everything from wicker baskets to the ornate window lintels that define the local landscape.“I have always felt that these wooden decorations are the soul of our local tradition,” Ewa explains. “As I delved into the history, I discovered that these intricate patterns traveled from deep within Russia, where they were once so valued they were used as a form of currency and trade.”

These ornaments are carved from pine or spruce boards and painted in colors that contrast sharply with the walls of the house. They adorn windows, doors, gables, and corners, featuring motifs inspired by nature—intertwining vines, flowers, and animals. Beyond their beauty, these patterns hold deep symbolic meaning. For instance, birds facing each other symbolize love and harmony, while birds facing away historically signaled that a young woman in the house was eligible for marriage.

While the “Podlasie style” began to fade after World War II with the rise of modern masonry, Ewa is dedicated to its revival. Her mentor was Aleksy Ryżyński, a self-taught master from the village of Wojszki.

Despite being 93 years old at the time of their meeting in 2019, he shared his lifelong knowledge with Ewa, teaching her the technical foundations of the craft and instilling a fascination that has since reshaped her life.

Despite Ryżyński’s advanced age—he was 93—we met regularly, and I assisted him with his daily errands. I am deeply aware that Aleksy played a pivotal role in the changes that have since taken place in my life

Ewa’s creative process is one of preservation. She recovers patterns by tracing templates directly from old, weathered cottages, as well as utilizing motifs inherited from her grandfather. She also collaborates with architects from the Bialystok University of Technology and experts in wooden architecture to ensure every piece is historically accurate.

The artist crafts her ornamental lintels and corner pieces from seasoned spruce or pine boards sourced directly from local sawmills.

Her commitment to saving this “vanishing” craft has earned her prestigious recognition. In 2023, she received the grand prize in the national “Preserve Traditions” competition organised by the National Institute of Rural Culture and Heritage. A scholarship recipient and member of the Association of Folk Artists, Ewa Korniluk continues to ensure that the wooden heritage of Podlasie remains a living tradition.

Contact
www: Królewna z drewna fb
e-mail: kornilukowa@gmail.com
phone: +48 515713433