The Power of Symbolism in Art: Creating Family Towels
Custom art print by Ula Patoka
When I received a video of my client unrolling the red and green wedding towel I had designed for them, I held my breath. Their reaction was everything—laughter, quiet awe, and that unmistakable moment when something clicks emotionally. This wasn’t just a print. It was theirs. A tapestry of personal symbols—geeky, playful, meaningful—woven into a new kind of family heirloom.
In a world of fast décor and mass-produced gifts, there’s something deeply meaningful about art that tells a personal story. As an artist, I’ve always believed that symbols can carry entire worlds—heritage, humor, memory, identity. That belief came to life in two custom commissions that still make my heart full: both inspired by the traditional Ukrainian Krolevets towel—ornate, handwoven cloths traditionally gifted at weddings and passed down through generations as heirlooms—yet each transformed through modern meaning and emotional connection.
These symbolic artworks were gifts—for weddings, unions, and new beginnings. But more than that, they became heirlooms in the making: visual records of who two people are, where they come from, and what they carry forward together.
What Is Symbolic Art?
Symbolic art is more than decoration. It’s a form of storytelling. From ancient embroidery to modern illustration, symbols have long been a way to mark life’s moments and pass meaning from one generation to the next.
In personalized symbolic art, tradition and personality meet. Your story becomes visual—through color, shape, and motif.
Folk art inspired family towel print
Two Stories, Two Towels
Let me share two recent commissions that beautifully show how personal symbolic art can be:
1. Sage and Thistle: A Gentle Tribute
For a couple with Ukrainian and Scottish roots, I created a custom piece inspired by the composition and symmetry of traditional Krolevets woven towels. But instead of red and white, we chose a gentle sage green palette—evoking calm, connection, and harmony.
Into this soft rhythm, I integrated Scottish thistles (Scotland’s national flower) among the traditional Ukrainian motifs. The final result felt balanced and graceful—quietly powerful. A peaceful homage to their roots and a symbol of resilience through gentleness.
2. Totems and Joy: A Bold Celebration
The second towel was a gift from a London-based client, where one of the partners was Ukrainian. This version was joyful, bold, and filled with personal totems: a cat, a chicken, a vampire, even an alpaca—woven among traditional geometric and floral elements.
It was playful and profound at the same time. And that’s the magic of symbolic art: it doesn’t have to be “serious” to be significant. Every detail was chosen with intention, and together, they created a deeply unique visual language for the couple.
Why Symbolic Art Resonates So Deeply
In moments like weddings, anniversaries, or new beginnings, we often search for something that lasts—something more than just a beautiful object. Symbolic art becomes a visual keepsake: a celebration of shared culture, humor, and love. When my clients received their artwork, they didn’t just see prints—they saw themselves. Their roots. Their story. A memory made tangible.
Let’s Create Something Together
Your story deserves to be told in symbols—be it a family joke, a shared heritage, or the joy of a new chapter—and I’d be honored to help you bring it to life. Reach out and let’s imagine together. Whether it’s a meaningful gift or a personal heirloom, we can create something that’s as unique and lasting as the people it celebrates.
These make heartfelt, lasting gifts for moments that matter most:
Weddings & engagements
Anniversaries
Baby showers & new births
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
Housewarmings
Milestone birthdays
Cultural celebrations & naming ceremonies
Whether inspired by your heritage, your humor, or your home—you deserve something one-of-a-kind.
📩 Just email me at ula@upillustration.com to discuss your vision.
Or explore my existing collections for inspiration:
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