The idea was to make postcards that would reflect:
1. Animals that inhabitat in the Volzhsko-kamsky state nature biosphere reserve.
2. Ethnic group of nationalities prevails in Kazan, Tatarstan.
3. Traditions and crafts that represented by chosen nationality.
The process.
Tatar is a large ethnic group of Kazan. And one of the brightest qualities is hospitality. Guests are usually greeted with a traditional treat - chack chack. The “chack chack” rabbit is a cute reference to the Chinese symbol of this year. Also I chose fox as character be-cause it’s one of the most popular wild animals in folklore. And of course fox wearing folk festive costume.
One of the nationalities represented by large number of inhabitants is the Chuvash. And one of the iconic animals of the reserve is the beaver. Also the beaver known for building dams from trees and Chuvash people known for their wood curving craft. On the board - a popular symbol in the culture of Chuvashia - the tree of life, clan and wisdom.
I love adding special details as rabbit looking like chack-chack or symbol on the board to my illustrations - they add more depth and meaning.
Stay with me, to be continued...
