Interview
Nadiya Semkuley
Born in Ukraine to a middle-class family, Nadiya graduated from Chernivtsi University and taught at a medical college. She moved to Canada in 2000 and quickly fell in love with the beautiful country. She married there and have proudly called Calgary home ever since. Nadiya started making dolls in 2022, as well as embroider kitchen linen, Christmas ornaments and she makes Christian baptism blankets.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“After retiring from the University of Calgary, I started making dolls in Ukrainian costumes. This hobby is more than just a business—it’s a piece of my heart, stitched together with threads of memory, tradition, and love. Every item in my collection is connected to a long journey that began in Ukraine and brought me to Canada, where I now live with my family. My Ukrainian grandmother, my beloved ‘babtsya,’ taught me how to sew, knit, and embroider. She shared stories about our ancestors and passed on the old ways that were rooted in our land, our seasons, and our spirit. The house I grew up in was filled with the scent of cloth and the warmth of needlework, all wrapped in family and tradition. The first dolls I made were for my granddaughters. I wanted them to have play dolls that weren’t just pretty, but meaningful—dolls with real faces, dressed in traditional costumes. Most Ukrainian Motanka dolls are faceless, but I wanted my creations to show emotion, personality, and joy. I use new dolls from the store and dress them in outfits I’ve hand-sewn and embroidered myself. No, the majority of my dolls are not toys—they are symbols of culture, family, and the stories that bind us.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My dolls are not just gifts - they are a celebration of Ukrainian identity. Through every doll, every piece of cloth, and every stitch of embroidery, we honor the women before us. Motanka dolls, in particular, are deeply rooted in Ukrainian folklore. They represent the goddess, the mother, and the protective spirit of the home. Usually a woman, the Motanka doll has no face because she is not one person—she is all of us. Creating Ukrainian dolls is my way of keeping those traditions alive for Ukrainian families in Canada and around the world.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Usually, it is improvisation. I went outside one day and saw the gorgeous fall trees and shrubs coloured in red, yellow and gold colours - I went inside the house and created a Fall Doll. I visited the Ukrainian Museum in Calgary and looked at the photos of Bukovyna region wedding - I came home, googled the Bukovynian traditional wedding ceremony and created my Bukovynian Doll. Sometimes, I sit in my studio, look at the fabric, and start creating. I do all the designs by myself, the headpieces, sometimes the shoes; I do cross stitch embroidery, machine embroidery and knitting. Love to make dolls in traditional yellow and blue colours.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I admire the talented Ukrainian artisans. The pieces they created are true Ukrainian Art. Looking at their artifacts inspires me in my creations.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“Every doll in my collection is crafted by hand with authentic Ukrainian fabrics, traditional cross-stitch embroidery, and care. From play dolls for children to heirloom collectibles, each doll carries the warmth and symbolism of our culture. I have dolls from regions like the Carpathian Mountains, Galychyna, Bukovyna, and Central Ukraine. Each doll features patterns and accessories specific to its region and tells a story of that land's traditions. The dolls are made with symbolic cloth, historic patterns, and colorful accessories—yellow, blue, and brown threads, ribbons, and more. My dolls are not mass-produced—they are personal, meaningful, and deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture. Celebrate Ukrainian Identity in Every Stitch”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is my life. Gift Emporium was created to support Ukrainian artisans and preserve cultural traditions during challenging times. I purchased almost all my supplies from Ukraine, making Ukrainian artists' lives a little bit easier. Every piece is handmade with care, carrying generations of artistry, resilience, and heritage. Promoting Ukrainian culture and traditions in Canada, the USA, and other countries is a sense of my life right now.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I do not have a favourite artwork - all my dolls are my ‘granddaughters’ - they all are very special to me.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have participated in several group exhibitions, many fundraising events, and community Christmas and Easter celebrations. During these events, I presented my work and shared the creative process behind it, as well as Ukrainian traditions and culture.”
Website: www.gift-emporium.com
Instagram: @giftemporiumshop
Other links: facebook.com/giftemporiumshop
