Classic Leafy Azure and Ivory Ceramic Mini Vase from Armenia - Harmony in Azure

Artisan Organization: CeramaZart

Country: Armenia

"We represent CeramaZart studio, a pioneering initiative born out of the 'GOY' humanitarian foundation's commitment to supporting Diaspora Armenian individual philanthropists and international charity efforts. Founded in 2022 in Yerevan's Malatia-In Sebastia administrative district, CeramaZart is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian traditional pottery-making culture while providing therapeutic support to those affected by post-war traumas.

"Through our flagship project, the CeramaZart studio-school, we offer clay therapy and pottery-making classes to individuals from Artsakh, providing them with a healing space to overcome their emotional challenges while learning and mastering the art of pottery. With the guidance of a psychologist-art therapist, participants not only develop their artistic skills but also cultivate a deep love for the craft, finding solace and empowerment through creativity.

"Our mission at CeramaZart extends beyond the studio-school walls. We are committed to providing professional opportunities for artists forcibly displaced from Artsakh, equipping them with the necessary tools, machinery, and materials to earn a sustainable income through their craft. Additionally, we aim to spread awareness of Armenian modern and traditional pottery traditions, showcasing handmade ceramic items adorned with intricate illustrations of Armenian ornaments, rugs, and motifs.

"At CeramaZart, we take pride in producing exclusively safe and high-quality ceramic pieces, coated with food-grade glaze and crafted with meticulous attention to detail by displaced Artsakh masters. Each creation embodies the rich heritage and artistic skill of our community, serving as a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Through our work, we strive to uplift and empower individuals, foster a sense of cultural pride, and promote healing and reconciliation in our community. With CeramaZart, we envision a future where art serves as a bridge between past and present, uniting us in celebration of our shared heritage and artistic expression.

"I would like to introduce our team members: Emin Mikayelyan, the chief potter-master of KeramaZard studio-school. Born on February 15, 1991, in the village of Togh, Hadrut region, Artsakh, Emin's journey into pottery began after completing his education at a local secondary school and later graduating from Grigor Narekatsi University of Stepanakert. Before his displacement from Hadrut region due to the war of September 27, 2020, Emin was involved in agriculture and beekeeping in Artsakh. Following his relocation to the Republic of Armenia, Emin's passion for pottery led him to pursue training in various pottery centers and under individual potter-masters, sponsored by the GOY Humanitarian Fund. Equipped with newfound skills and expertise, Emin joined the CeramaZart workshop as a master potter, where he continues to contribute his talent and craftsmanship to the art of pottery-making.

"Seda Mikayelyan, the main artist-illustrator of the CeramaZart studio-school. Born on May 17, 1997, in the village of Togh, Hadrut region, Artsakh, Seda's artistic journey began early on. After completing her education at the local secondary school, she further honed her skills at Togh art school and Hadrut MSK Togh branch. Seda pursued her passion for art at AH State University, graduating with a qualification as a pedagogue from the faculty of natural sciences. The events of the war in September 27, 2020, forced Seda to relocate from Hadrut region to the Republic of Armenia. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her dedication to art. Seda participated in courses on drawing on clay and correct coloring with individual artists-illustrators, where she studied national ornaments, carpet patterns, and the art of painting and illustrating on ceramic objects. Today, Seda brings her creativity and expertise to the CeramaZart studio-school, where her artistic talents shine through in every piece she creates.

"Lernik Avanesyan, the talented artist-illustrator of the CeramaZart studio-school. Born on August 22, 1978, in the city of Stepanakert, Lernik's artistic journey began at an early age. He pursued his passion for art by graduating from the 'Gyurjian' Art Institute, specializing in applied art. After completing his education, Lernik embarked on a career as an art teacher at the H. Art School named after Gyurjian in SNOC. His dedication to the arts led him to join the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports in 2023, where he participated in the "Intangible cultural heritage protection programs". As part of this program, Lernik underwent three months of intensive training in pottery and miniature skills transfer at the "Life in the Palm" pottery courses. Inspired by his experience, Lernik joined the team at the CeramaZart Studio-School as an artist-illustrator, where he continues to showcase his creativity and expertise in every piece he creates.

"Eric Alaverdyan, an artist at the CeramaZart studio-school, was born in 1964 in Artsakh and later moved to Hadrut, AH in 1968. He received his education at Hadruti M. Manvelyan Secondary School and graduated from the remote department of agronomy at Stepanakert Agricultural School. Eric initially worked at "Hadruti PMSC" SNOC, serving as a group leader in the painting department. In 2020, he relocated to the Republic of Armenia. In 2023, he participated in the "Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage programs" organized by the RA Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture. He underwent training in pottery and miniature skills transfer through the "Life on the shore" program held at the CeramaZart studio-school. Following the three-month course, Eric joined the team at CeramaZart studio-school as an artist.

"Astghik Meliksetyan, an artist-illustrator at CeramaZart studio-school, was born on May 20, 1995, in the city of Stepanakert. She completed her education at Khachatur Abovyan of Stepanakert No. 1 public school, followed by Stepanakert A. High School No. 8 named after Sakharov. Astghik pursued higher education at the National Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia, graduating as an artist-designer. During the academic years of 2016-2020, she worked as a painting teacher at the Togh art school in the Hadrut region of Artsakh. Additionally, in 2017, she spent the summer months working as a carpet weaver at the "Artsakh Carpet" private factory. In 2020, Astghik was admitted to Yerevan Khachatur Abovyan State Pedagogical University, where she is currently studying directing. Despite the challenges posed by the war, she continues to work at the Yerevan branch of the Poetry School. Astghik joined the team at CeramaZart studio-school voluntarily, contributing her skills as an artist-illustrator.""