Artisan-Made Pomegranate-Themed Glazed Round Ceramic Mirror - Pomegranate Glory

Artisan Organization: Rita Khachatryan

Country: Armenia

"Hello! My name is Rita Khachatryan, and I am a ceramic artist with a deep passion for pottery and the beauty it brings to our lives. I was born in 1957 in Artsakh, a place with a profound history and culture that have always inspired me. When I was two, my family moved to Yerevan, where I grew up surrounded by the vibrant arts and traditions of Armenia.

"I attended the Belinsky School, and from there, I went on to study at the Brusov Pedagogical Institute, graduating in 1978. For many years, my life revolved around education; from 1985 to 1995, I worked as a teacher at secondary school No. 83. Teaching was a rewarding experience that allowed me to share knowledge and nurture young minds. Yet, as the years passed, I realized there was a creative side of me waiting to be explored—a side that longed to bring beauty into the world in a tangible way. It was at the age of fifty that my journey with pottery began.

"In 2005, I attended a pottery course led by Lilit Khanaghyan, a gifted teacher whose skill and passion for clay captivated me from the very first lesson. Working with clay felt natural, and I quickly became absorbed in the creative process. There was something so grounding and fulfilling about shaping raw earth into beautiful forms. Each piece I created felt like a reflection of my own journey, my memories, and the heritage of my homeland.

Pottery has become my lifelong companion. Over the years, I have discovered that working with clay is not only an art form but also a powerful means of expression. The tactile nature of the medium allows me to feel connected to each piece in a unique way, as if each curve and texture holds a story. I love that clay has this transformative quality; it starts as a humble, shapeless substance and, through careful attention, becomes a piece of art that brings beauty and warmth into people’s homes.

"For me, pottery is a practice of patience and mindfulness. Each step of the process—from kneading the clay to shaping, drying, firing, and finally glazing—is a ritual that requires focus and respect for the material. There are no shortcuts in pottery, and every piece I create carries the care and dedication I pour into my work. Pottery has taught me to embrace imperfections, to see beauty in the unique variations that make each item one-of-a-kind.

"In my work, I strive to blend Armenian cultural elements with my own creative vision. Our heritage is rich with symbols and motifs that have deep meanings, and I often incorporate these into my designs. I want my pottery to carry a sense of place and connection to our roots, a celebration of Armenian culture in a modern, functional form. I believe that art has the power to connect us to our history while also transcending borders, allowing people from all over the world to appreciate its beauty and meaning.

"My journey as an artist has also been a journey of self-discovery. Pottery has shown me that it’s never too late to find a new passion, and it has given me a sense of purpose that continues to enrich my life. Creating with my hands brings me joy and peace, and it is a privilege to be able to share that joy with others through my art. Each time someone appreciates one of my pieces, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing that a part of my story will be a part of their lives. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and my work. I am honored to share my creations with you, and I hope that my pottery brings warmth, beauty, and a touch of Armenian heritage into your home.""