What Are the Origins of Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts?

Driving through the Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts, one often sees painted beehives. Slovenian art in the form of these outdoor galleries is distinctive. Beginning in the mid-18th century, the beehives' wooden panels were painted as part of a long-standing custom. In the trade, the wooden boxes used to contain bee colonies are referred to as apiaries, or kranjichi in Slovenian.

Vida and Joze Koelj, beekeepers, kindly gathered and cared for these painted panels, which I got the opportunity to see up close in an enormous exhibition. In their house in the town of Smarje Sap, which is close to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, the Koeljs established a museum devoted to the painted panels. For more than 200 years, Vida's family has been involved in beekeeping.

The history of the Slovenian nation has been significantly influenced by literature. Prior to gaining independence in 1991, the nation was bound together by Slovenian literature and the Slovenian language.

The Artistry of Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts

My guidelines, Mateja Kregar Gliha, interpreted Vida's animated comments as I raced from one painted panel to the next. I discovered that while beekeeping has a long history in Vida's family, it was never their main source of income. Their scant livelihood as farmers was augmented by bee rearing and fertilization.

Vida said that the Koeljs' passion for beekeeping was the driving force behind the establishment of the museum. She clarified that since her husband hunts, they often travel around Slovenia in his line of work. As they traveled, they discovered painted panels in progressively worse shape and several beekeeping implements hidden in hayracks or neglected corners of barns. They were aware of the gradual disappearance of traditional art.

Read Also: Wooden Craft Cutouts Pieces Rectangle: Unleashing Creativity

Spiritual Beliefs and Folk Tales

This panel, which shows Jesus, was created in 1754. Many of the panels in the Koeljs collection are quite ancient.

According to Vida, Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts farmers were always very religious and believed in God. Jesus, as his son, is the light of our lives, and God was the center of theirs." He demonstrates to us what is feasible and what our journey to our Father is all about.

Mateja said, "Many panels tell us stories from the Bible." The only easy method to preach the gospel at the time was because people were illiterate. Since there isn't always time to read these days, we may just glance at the panel to discover what God has to say.

Christian Significance in Beehives with Paintings

Locals used to tell stories that a dragon lived in an underground world and needed to eat one virgin a year, Vida said to me as she moved on to the next panel. People were in a grave situation. The little shepherd kid killed the dragon one day. With St. George destroying pagan religion, this is also seen as a sign of the advent of Christianity.

Customs Are Preserved by Painted Beehives

We questioned Vida about a picture from 1888 that showed a guy carrying food and beverages to a musician. She informed me that it is customary to reward each performer. Homemade items from the farm are additionally always appreciated if you lack the funds to pay for the enjoyment!

Satire in the 19th Century

An old satirical story is presented here," she replied, grinning mischievously. Every man desired a young wife. This illustrates the idea that you may take your ex-wife to the rejuvenation mill, where she will be transformed into a lovely, attractive young woman after the water rejuvenation procedure is complete.

Inadequate Protection

You had to be quite cautious about how much food you consumed since there was never much of it," she added. The lady of the home is seen on this Slovenian bee hive panel chasing the devil out of the kitchen in order to protect the family's meager supplies.

Cultural Landscape via Painted Beehives

Since two-thirds of Slovenia is covered in woodlands teeming with animals, hunting used to play a significant role in Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts, Vida said. Hunters would congregate in neighborhood bars and tell elaborate tales, often praising and portraying themselves as heroic figures. Animals are making fun of them at their funerals. "He chuckles greatest who laughs final," goes the saying.

You May Also Like: Craft Wood Paint That Won't Fade In The Sun: Outdoor Wood Finishes

FAQs: Slovenian Painted Wooden Crafts

What are the handicrafts in Slovenia?

Several have established a reputation for producing regionally created goods including forged iron, woodwork, ceramics, and lace.

What art is Slovenia known for?

The Impressionist painters of the 20th century, such Anton Abe (who founded a private art academy in Munich), Ivan Grohar, Matija Jama, and Matej Sternen, helped Slovene visual arts gain worldwide recognition.

How do you paint wood for crafts?

Sealing and Painting the Wood
A glob of acrylic paint should be poured onto a palette.
Cover your item with a layer of paint.
If necessary, apply a second layer after letting the paint dry.
Include your information and designs.
Allow the paint to fully dry.
Put on one or two sealer coats.

Which paint is best for wood crafts?

Make use of acrylic paints made especially for wood surfaces. These paints are more durable and adhere better than standard acrylic paints. Seek for paints that are slovenian painted wooden crafts.

Can I paint directly onto wood?

It is not advisable to paint straight onto raw wood. Prior to painting, prime the exposed wood. You may be able to know  the priming if the surfaces that were painted are in excellent shape.