Romantic-Themed Wood Bunny Gnome Sculpture from Armenia - Gnome in Love

Artisan Organization: Karen Minasyan

Country: Armenia

"My name is Karen Minasyan, and I was born in Yerevan, Armenia. Like many Armenians, my life has been shaped by the challenges and history of our homeland. After completing my secondary education in Yerevan, I felt a strong calling to help rebuild and develop Artsakh, especially following the first Artsakh War. That sense of duty brought me to the region, where I worked in various fields. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to create something of my own—something meaningful and lasting.

"For many years, I dreamt of starting on my own creative journey, one that would focus on production. I spent considerable time researching different industries, trying to figure out what kind of product would make the most sense both economically and personally. I realized that whatever I chose to produce, it had to be made from local, accessible materials. After carefully analyzing my options, I decided that woodworking was the perfect path forward. It was a craft that could use local wood and, at the same time, allowed for endless creativity.

"However, there was one major challenge: I had no woodworking skills whatsoever. I had no experience in working with wood or creating anything by hand. Still, I was determined to learn. After a few unsuccessful attempts at crafting wooden items, I turned to books, manuals, and the internet to teach myself the craft. For months, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about woodworking techniques and the use of basic machinery. Slowly but surely, I became proficient.

"Another challenge was my lack of drawing skills, which are critical for designing intricate wooden items. To overcome this, I taught myself how to use graphic design software. These programs allowed me to create detailed sketches of the pieces I wanted to make, providing a clear blueprint for each new product. By 2020, after about a year of intense self-study, I felt ready to take the next step. I purchased the necessary equipment and materials and set up my workshop in the village of Azokh in the Hadrut region of Artsakh.

"Unfortunately, life took a difficult turn during the 44-day war, and like many others, I lost everything. My workshop and all the tools and materials I had invested in were gone. But even in the face of such a devastating loss, I didn’t give up on my dream. In 2021, I made the decision to start over. I moved to Stepanakert, where I bought a new workshop space and invested in new machinery. Within a few months, my woodworking products began to gain recognition, not just in Artsakh but beyond its borders as well.

"However, the challenges didn’t end there. In September 2023, following the new wave of conflicts, I was displaced again, this time relocating to Armenia. Despite these hardships, I was determined to continue my craft. I have now re-established my workshop in Armenia, where I continue to produce high-quality wooden items. Although it’s been only a few months, I am hopeful that my work will once again become well-known and loved by many.

"Woodworking has become more than just a source of income for me; it’s a way to connect with my heritage and contribute something beautiful and lasting to the world. Each piece I create reflects the resilience and strength of my people, as well as my commitment to producing quality, handcrafted goods from local materials. My journey has been full of challenges, but I believe that every obstacle has made me stronger and more dedicated to my craft.

"Thank you for supporting my work. I am excited to share my creations with you and hope they bring joy and beauty into your life.""