Shoghik Hasratyan

Artisan Organization: Shoghik Hasratyan

Country: Armenia

"I am Shoghik Hasratyan, an artist and sculptor born in the picturesque Syunik Marz of Armenia. My journey into the world of stone art began long before I realized it, growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Armenian landscape. After graduating from Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, I embarked on a creative journey that would eventually shape my passion for working with stones, particularly obsidian. I have been married for many years, and my husband and I are blessed with two wonderful sons, who are a constant source of support and inspiration in our lives.

"Since 2012, I have been dedicated to the art of stone processing, selling, and creating beautiful decorative sculptures, primarily working with obsidian. My interest in stones began as a shared passion between my husband and me. Together, we explored the vast richness of Armenian landscapes, sourcing stones from different regions, each with its unique texture and color. It was this connection to the natural environment and the raw beauty of Armenia that inspired us to start working with stones as an art form.

"Obsidian, in particular, has played a significant role in our creative journey. Known as volcanic glass, obsidian has deep roots in Armenian history and culture. It is a stone that represents both strength and beauty, and its glossy black surface often holds an almost mystical quality. Armenia is home to some of the most abundant and varied deposits of obsidian in the world, and we have been fortunate to find and collect this extraordinary material from different regions across the country. Each stone has its own story, shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years.

"My husband and I realized that these stones were not just objects to be admired but raw materials that could be transformed into something even more beautiful. This realization marked the beginning of our artistic collaboration, and since then, we have been working side by side to craft unique, handmade stone sculptures that celebrate the natural beauty of Armenia.

"Our process is a blend of creativity and craftsmanship. We take the raw, uncut stones and carefully shape them into intricate pieces of art, paying close attention to the natural patterns and textures within each stone. Our sculptures range from small decorative items to larger, more complex pieces, each one designed to highlight the natural elegance of the stone while adding a touch of artistic interpretation. Every piece we create is a reflection of our shared love for the beauty of nature and the joy of working together as a team.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is knowing that our sculptures bring a piece of Armenian heritage into the homes of people around the world. Obsidian is not just a material; it is a symbol of Armenia’s ancient geological history and the enduring strength of its people. By transforming this remarkable stone into art, we feel a deep connection to our homeland and take pride in sharing that connection with others.

"Today, our work continues to evolve as we explore new ideas and techniques in stone sculpture. Together, my husband and I are committed to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with natural stone, always striving to create pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful. We are proud to be part of Armenia’s rich artistic tradition, and we look forward to continuing our journey, creating timeless works of art that celebrate the beauty of nature and the craftsmanship of the human hand.""