Some artists paint on canvas.
Others carve stone.
Paul “The Eggman” Wirhun creates entire worlds from eggshells.
In this episode of Tarik Talk, I sat down with my fellow Art150 artist and neighbor, Paul Wirhun, whose studio is located at Art150, 150 Bay Street in Jersey City. Known for his intricate eggshell-based artworks, Paul has spent decades transforming one of the most fragile materials imaginable into sculptures, wall pieces, installations, and ambitious works that challenge traditional ideas of what art can be.
But behind the remarkable craftsmanship lies a much deeper story rooted in heritage, history, memory, and transformation.
A Ukrainian Tradition
Paul’s artistic journey began in childhood.
Growing up in a Ukrainian-American family, he learned the traditional folk art of pysanky from his mother. Often referred to as Ukrainian Easter eggs, pysanky are decorated eggs created through a wax-resist process that dates back thousands of years.
What fascinated Paul was that these designs were never merely decorative.
Each symbol carried meaning.
Each line communicated an intention.
Historically, the eggs served as talismans meant to bring protection, health, prosperity, and good fortune.
Over time, what began as a cultural tradition evolved into a lifelong artistic practice.
Writing Rather Than Drawing
One of the most fascinating aspects of Paul’s process is that he doesn’t describe it as drawing.
He describes it as writing.
The word “pysanky” comes from a Ukrainian verb meaning “to write,” reflecting the ancient belief that symbols placed on an egg could carry intention and meaning into the world.
That concept continues to influence Paul’s work today.
Whether creating abstract compositions, figurative scenes, or large-scale installations, the act of making remains connected to storytelling and communication.
ART150 and Creative Transformation
Paul credits having a dedicated studio at Art150 with transforming both his artistic process and his identity as an artist.
Located at 150 Bay Street in Jersey City, Art150 gave him something he never had before: space.
Space to experiment.
Space to create larger works.
Space to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Most importantly, space to think in series rather than individual pieces.
As Paul explained during our conversation, having a dedicated studio fundamentally changed the scale and ambition of his practice.
Ancient Design for a New World View
One phrase that repeatedly surfaced throughout our conversation was Paul’s personal artistic philosophy:
“Ancient design for a new world view.”
For decades, Paul has studied historical visual cultures, drawing inspiration from Ukrainian folk traditions, Greek pottery, Byzantine iconography, Japanese ceramics, Chinese decorative arts, and Indigenous artistic practices.
His goal isn’t to recreate the past.
Instead, he uses ancient visual languages to address contemporary questions about identity, technology, society, and human experience.
He believes there is wisdom embedded within historical design traditions that modern culture often overlooks.
Reconstructing What Has Fallen Apart
Perhaps the most powerful idea from our conversation emerged near the end.
Every piece Paul creates begins with something broken.
Eggshells.
Fragments.
Discarded materials.
Objects that have already completed their original purpose.
Rather than viewing those fragments as waste, he reconstructs them into new forms.
New stories.
New possibilities.
As Paul explained, much of his work reflects the experience of rebuilding after loss—whether personal, cultural, or societal. The cracked surfaces become metaphors for resilience and renewal.
“We’re at a moment where it feels like the world is falling apart,” he said. “I’m reconstructing a world after it’s fallen apart.”
It’s a statement that resonates far beyond the material itself.
Public Art and Future Possibilities
One of the most exciting parts of our conversation focused on Paul’s growing interest in public art.
Recent works include eggshell-encrusted tree branches and sculptural interventions that blur the boundaries between nature, craft, and installation. He spoke passionately about creating large-scale public projects, including “tree totems” that could transform urban environments into unexpected artistic experiences.
Seeing his current exhibition at ART150, it’s easy to imagine those ideas expanding into parks, public spaces, and cultural institutions.
The ambition is there.
The vision is there.
Now it’s simply a matter of scale.
Looking Ahead
This summer, Paul will present a new exhibition at the William Scott Gallery in Provincetown, continuing his exploration of pattern, symbolism, and what he describes as moments of ecstasy.
For an artist who has spent decades working with one of the world’s most fragile materials, his practice remains remarkably expansive.
Every eggshell carries history.
Every crack contains possibility.
And every piece reminds us that broken things can be rebuilt into something entirely new.
Listen to the full conversation with Paul “The Eggman” Wirhun on Tarik Talk, where we discuss pysanky, Ukrainian artistic tradition, eggshell sculpture, public art, and reconstructing beauty from broken things. This episode was recorded at ART150 (150 Bay Street, Jersey City).
About Tarik Talk
Tarik Talk is an international arts and culture podcast hosted by artist Tarik Mendes. With 200+ episodes across 50+ seasons, recorded live in over 10 countries, the podcast features conversations with artists, designers, curators, museum professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders exploring creativity, contemporary art, and the ideas shaping today’s cultural landscape.
Inside museums, studios, and conversations with artists worldwide — from Jersey City to the world.