Kanada-Ukraina 125

The logo, description of the 125th logo and the artist statement are reprinted with the permission of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Expect to see the logo everywhere as Ukrainian-Canadians celebrate 125 years of immigration and settlement in Canada.

This logo commemorates 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. The logo consists of three parts. The bottom part symbolizes four Waves of immigration to Canada. These are the waves of the ocean to be overcome, the waves of people that brought new hopes and dreams to a new land.

In the central part of the logo people transform into the three flying cranes. These powerful, intelligent and enduring birds appear often in Ukrainian music and folklore and are known in Canada as well. Zhuravli, as they are called in Ukrainian, are a long-standing symbol of migrating from one’s own nest to travel to far lands, possibly never to return again.

The group of cranes symbolizes a family as a foundation of society. Once settled in a new land they strive to desired heights. The national crest of Ukraine – the Golden Trident (Tryzub), superimposed on a blue crane, symbolizes the country of origin. The wings of the cranes ultimately transform into a Maple Leaf – the national symbol of Canada. The number “125” indicates 125 years of immigration to Canada.

About the Artist  Oleh Lesiuk

Born in 1959 in Lviv, Ukraine. In 1981, graduated with honours from the Lviv National Academy of Applied and Decorative Arts. Commenced his work at the Sculpture Department of the Ivan Trush College of Applied Arts. Lives and creates in Canada since 1992. Works in studio (compositions and portraits) and on-site (monumental sculpture and murals).

Since 1980 has been a participant in numerous group exhibits in Ukraine, Russia, Italy, USA and Canada. Has had three solo exhibitions in Toronto. Organized and participated in three symposiums in wood sculpture. Created several monuments, monumental signs, park sculptures and memorial plaques in Ukraine, USA, Canada, France and Great Britain. Earned numerous awards and grants. Among them, in 2006, received a Monument Builders of North America Civic/Public Award for the Monument in Rochester, NY, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Settlement.

Member of the National Artists’ Union of Ukraine, the Sculptors’ Society of Canada, President of the Ukrainian Association of Visual Artists of Canada and Vice- President of the Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation.

Some of Oleh’s latest projects include: Gilding Restoration of the Canadian Parliament Library in Ottawa; Bronze sculptures for the BCU Foundation, World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, Social Services Canada, Restoration of the “Sacred Heart” sculpture for the St. Joseph Health Centre, Toronto, ON; Wood Crucifix and Reliefs for the Saviour of the World Chinese Catholic Church, Mississauga ON; Gilding Restoration of the Icon Wall of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Toronto, ON.

Oleh’s artwork is in private and public collections in Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, USA and Canada.

(The Ukrainian Canadian Congress 125th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration in Canada logo is an official logo licensed to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.)