Wycinanki Tattoos

 As a proud Polish girl I LOVE Polish art. Traditional Polish art is so colorful and vibrant. I plan on getting some myself soon as a cover up. (Watch this space!). Wycinanki (Vihs-in-ahn-key) is a traditional art done with paper called quilling in English. It’s layers of colorful paper intricately cut out and then stuck down. It creates a 3d shape but also a 2d design. Common themes include flowers and chickens. Much of Polish art comes from rural areas and is very specific to that region. 

My family is from Masowia in central Poland which means they have different cultural costumes and themes than someone who is Góral from the Tatra mountains. The themes are usually similar, there’s a lot of floral, but the style a little different. For example, traditional Góral skirts are red and white while Masowia has green stripes and embroidered roses. It’s a beautiful and rich cultural identity. While you may have your own opinions on what is going on in Ukraine, the cultural identity there that is being lost is very similar to my own Polish roots and I hope even those who have left the country continue passing on their traditions. Wycinanki is actually practiced throughout the Slavic region and the Ukrainian version is just as beautiful. 

Back to the art!  

Here’s why I think these designs would make a fabulous addition for many people:

The flowers are simple. These are great filler. They’re punchy and recognizable and just plain fun. But the simplicity of them means they can be done as little gap fillers. Also peep the cute little hearts at the center of most of the flowers!!! 

There’s no black. No outline needed. If you want colorful these are definitely it. There’s a very simple color scheme but it is consistent. While many of the designs do feature heavy black it isn’t required and the whole design can be done in color instead. 

The color thing is also an aesthetic that can be adjusted to whatever color scheme you’re working with. Want purple? Cool we’ll do everything in shades of purple. Same with blue or any other color. It’s aesthetic because everything matches. 

It’s cultural. One of the things I find so confusing here is that multiculturalism is frowned upon. Coming from a culture which embraces others and wants to share I find it strange that people are so gatekeeping that no one else can enjoy it but them. If I saw someone with a Wycinanki tattoo I’d ask if they were Polish to start with but I’d be thrilled if you just said you liked the artwork and had taken the time to appreciate the art. While I personally want Wycinanki designs on me because it’s my culture many people in the US have Eastern European heritage and no connection to it. Get the tattoo. I don’t care if it was your great grandmother 6 times removed that came from Poland. Get it. Polish people are nationalists at heart and very proud. We want you to claim us!

So please, check out some Wycinanki and come get one because I’d love to start doing these on a regular basis!