Aghasi Ghazaryan

Artisan Organization: Aghasi Ghazaryan

Country: Armenia

"My name is Aghasi Ghazaryan, and I was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1970. From a young age, I was deeply curious about the arts, particularly our national culture and the hands-on crafts that have been passed down through generations. This early fascination led me to immerse myself in a range of technical, technological, and aesthetic training groups, each deepening my appreciation for the beauty of Armenian craftsmanship. My journey in fine and applied arts officially began when I enrolled at the Republican Center of Aesthetic Education in Yerevan, named after Henrik Igityan. This institution, which emphasizes traditional Armenian artistic values, was the ideal foundation for my future as an artist and craftsman.

"After completing my military service, I decided to establish my own studio, a space where I could bring to life my ideas, grounded in Armenian heritage but open to new, innovative techniques. My studio has grown over the years, evolving into a creative hub where I have had the opportunity to tackle a wide range of artistic projects. From interior and exterior decorations for restaurants and private homes to intricate sculptures and large-scale bas-relief panels, my work has been diverse and challenging, each piece crafted with careful consideration and attention to detail. Whether I‚Äôm creating tableware or monumental decorative elements, I strive to make each project uniquely expressive of Armenian art and culture.

"One of my proudest achievements is the establishment of the our showroom workshop, a reimagining of my original studio that specifically aims to preserve and promote traditional Armenian pottery techniques. In this space, I‚Äôm able to keep the spirit of Armenia‚Äôs ancient pottery heritage alive while also embracing contemporary expressions of the art. Over the past 33 years, our studio has become a place of both artistic creation and education, offering pottery masterclasses to anyone interested in learning. Teaching allows me to pass on the deep knowledge and techniques that are part of our thousand-year-old cultural heritage. For me, sharing this knowledge is not just a responsibility but a joy. Seeing students and enthusiasts of all ages engage with pottery, develop their own skills, and gain a sense of pride in Armenian craftsmanship is incredibly rewarding.

"The essence of my work and my studio‚Äôs mission has always been about reconnecting with national, authentic Armenian art, particularly pottery. Pottery, with its grounding in both utility and beauty, holds a special place in Armenian history, and I am committed to bringing it forward to future generations. Every piece I create is infused with this vision: the idea that art is both a reflection of our past and a living, breathing practice that continues to evolve.

"Looking back, it‚Äôs clear to me that each project has been part of a broader journey, a journey that has allowed me to contribute to Armenia‚Äôs artistic legacy. I hope to continue my journey by creating meaningful, inspiring works and helping others discover the joy of pottery and Armenian cultural heritage.""