Hand-Painted Bird-Shaped Brass Button Earrings from Armenia - Fantasy Chants

Artisan Organization: Ani Rashoyan

Country: Armenia

"While my background is in graphics, after graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts, I found myself drawn into the world of jewelry making. What started as a hobby soon became a way of life. There were only a handful of artisans in Armenia engaged in handmade jewelry, and the market was in its infancy. With my designs, I started participating in expos and fairs, gradually introducing my jewelry to a broader audience. I am also a painter, and in recent years, my works have gained increased recognition.

"Gyumri is a city steeped in culture, and has always been a torchbearer of innovation in the arts. Therefore, before embarking on any project, I envision it becoming a part of our cultural heritage, scrutinizing every detail, and delving into history to incorporate it into my creations. My artistic nature thrives on experimentation, taking old concepts and presenting them in a fresh light, breathing new life into them. I believe this is the driving force behind art: continually moving forward by studying one's culture and infusing it with your own unique perspective, thereby becoming a part of the ongoing history.

"At present, I am a one-woman show, designing everything from scratch and crafting each piece exclusively by hand. In the realm of jewelry, I collaborate with my husband and his brother's brand, fashioning jewelry that combines metalwork and enamel. However, for the most part, I work independently. I can observe the impact of my work, especially as I regularly organize masterclasses. People, both adults and children, eagerly participate, with some even coming from other countries. It's heartening to see their enthusiasm and the satisfaction and gratitude expressed by my clients over the years confirm that I've achieved my goal.

"My greatest inspirations are the people around me, the natural world, and the profound cultural heritage of my homeland. I revel in unearthing long-forgotten, ancient symbols that are deeply rooted in Armenian culture. My works are distinguished by their unique signature, born from the originality of my designs, which I conceptualize and bring to life from start to finish. I relish the freedom of creativity and am unafraid to transform even the wildest and most intriguing ideas into tangible art, envisioning them achieving even greater success.""