Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Easter Sunday May 1st, five weeks after Western Christians. In Ukraine, artists are busy creating traditional Easter eggs, carved and painted in bright, bold colours.

The approach of Orthodox Easter is a busy time for artists in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Artists carve eggs in Ukraine

Among them is Irina Vavrikovich who, after twenty years of classical painting, tried a new artform: with a dental drill, she transforms chicken, goose, and even ostrich eggs into works of art.

For centuries, Ukrainians have been decorating eggs with intricate patterns and colours for Easter. The locals call them 'Pysanky'.

Success did not come at once, though. Vavrikovich spoiled dozens of pieces before perfecting her technique. She begins by soaking the egg in vinegar to make the shell stronger so that it can withstand carving.

Her Easter eggs are much in demand and grace the shelves of local souvenir shops. Prices are much higher than average, reflecting the painstaking level of artistry involved – US$10 for a chicken egg, and up to US$50 for an ostrich egg.

Eggs made from glass are also popular at Easter. One glassmaker borrows Italian techniques while using local traditional patterns in his work.

The Easter eggs are popular with visitors and locals alike and are displayed in various forms around towns and cities in Ukraine. Each egg has its own style and meaning. It has become tradition in Lviv to create new exhibitions of Easter eggs each year and donate the money raised to charity.