Avant-Garde Handmade Beechwood Decorative Vase from Armenia - Sylvan Duality

Artisan Organization: Suren Hakobyan

Country: Armenia

"I am Suren Hakobyan, a woodworker with a passion for transforming raw wood into pieces of art. I was born in the village of Shenavan, nestled in Armenia's Aragatsotn Province, where my early years were shaped by nature and a close-knit community. I received my education at the local school before going on to study at the State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports of Armenia. My journey has taken many twists and turns, leading me from the boxing ring to the world of woodworking—a craft that has become not only my profession but a source of deep personal fulfillment.

"After completing my service in the armed forces, my family and I moved to Yerevan, Armenia's bustling capital. This move marked the beginning of my journey into the world of woodworking. Initially, I started with small-scale projects—simple decorations that allowed me to experiment with wood as a medium. Over time, my pieces evolved to incorporate more complex designs, vibrant colors, and detailed artistry that felt like a true expression of my vision.

"Before discovering my love for woodworking, I spent over eight years in boxing, a sport that taught me discipline, perseverance, and focus. Unfortunately, a significant injury during training meant I could no longer pursue my boxing career. This setback was a difficult one, as I had dedicated myself to the sport. However, it led me to seek a new path, one that would not only bring me peace and joy but also provide financial stability. My journey into the creative world began with jewelry, where I crafted bracelets and necklaces using a variety of materials to produce one-of-a-kind designs. Though the first year was challenging, especially in building trust and finding customers, my commitment and determination helped me gradually create a loyal customer base.

"While I initially enjoyed making jewelry, my passion soon shifted toward woodworking. I realized that working with wood offered endless possibilities, with each project presenting a fresh opportunity to challenge myself creatively. As I learned more about woodworking techniques and materials, I found myself fully immersed in this art form, continuously inspired to create unique items. The thrill of taking raw wood and shaping it into something beautiful and functional filled me with a sense of purpose and joy that only deepened over time.

"Social media became an invaluable platform for showcasing my work, allowing me to reach people who appreciated and valued handmade artistry. Seeing the positive response from customers motivated me to expand my small workspace into a proper workshop where I could create freely and at a larger scale. What began as a personal journey evolved into a small business, one where every item I craft carries my experiences and vision.

"Reflecting on my journey from boxing to woodworking, I see a story of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. Woodworking has taught me the patience to work with my hands and to bring beauty out of natural materials—a contrast to the intensity of the boxing ring, yet equally demanding in its own way.

"Looking ahead, I aim to continue pushing my skills in woodworking, exploring new techniques, and creating pieces that reflect my passion for this art form. My dream is to invest in a larger workshop that will allow me to diversify into other branches of art. I hope to create a space where people can come to learn, explore, and appreciate the craft that has brought me so much fulfillment. Joining Novica provides an exciting opportunity to share my story and creations with a broader audience, connecting my work with those who seek beauty and meaning in handcrafted items. I am grateful for this chance to share a piece of Armenia’s artistry with the world, inviting others to find inspiration and joy in my work as I have.""