Spring-Inspired Glazed Sunflower-Shaped Ceramic Brooch Pin - Adoration Petals

Artisan Organization: Andranik Manukyan

Country: Armenia

"I am Andranik, a potter by profession and the founder of the Saghmos Ceramics workshop. My journey into the world of ceramics began in a rather unexpected way. My first career was far from the pottery wheel—I trained as a physical culture specialist, a path that focused on health, fitness, and physical education. However, life had other plans, and it was through this initial profession that I found myself introduced to a new passion that would later define my artistic career.

"I was born in the village of Dashtavan, in the Ararat Region of Armenia, a place where tradition and culture are deeply rooted in the landscape. In 2017, I took part in the Teach Armenia educational program, which sent me to the border village of Movses to work as a teacher. My role there was not only to teach, but also to participate in the community’s development. This was a transformative period in my life, as it was during this time that I first discovered the art of pottery. One of my community projects involved organizing a pottery workshop for high school students. The idea was to give these students a creative outlet and, in turn, offer them a potential skill that could support them in the future.

"Working alongside the Kyt educational and cultural foundation, two high school students from Movses learned the fundamentals of pottery, and I became actively involved in selling their products. Through this experience, I fell in love with the art form. Watching these students mold and shape clay into beautiful creations sparked something within me. Pottery, I realized, was not just a craft—it was an ancient and meaningful way of connecting with culture, tradition, and nature. This newfound passion led me down an exciting and creative path.

"In 2019, after completing my two-year teaching program, I decided to pursue pottery full-time. I enrolled in workshops and classes at TUMO Studios and Art Keramik studio, where I learned advanced techniques and refined my skills. The more I learned, the more my love for pottery grew. Working with clay became a form of meditation for me—an artistic expression that allowed me to connect deeply with my roots and the natural world around me.

"In 2020, I founded my own workshop, where I create a variety of ceramic accessories, home décor, and souvenirs. Each piece I create is inspired by elements of nature and the unique cultural heritage of Armenia. From the colors of the earth to the shapes of mountains and the flow of rivers, nature is a constant source of inspiration in my work. My heritage plays a significant role in the design of my pieces, as I seek to reflect the traditional Armenian motifs, symbols, and stories through my creations.

"Though pottery has become my main focus, I have never forgotten my love for teaching and giving back to the community. I continue to organize free pottery workshops for children in rural areas several times a year. Teaching these classes is incredibly fulfilling, as I believe it is important to pass on the knowledge and skills of this ancient craft to the next generation. My hope is that by nurturing their creativity, I can inspire young people to develop their own love for pottery and contribute to the future of the craft in Armenia.

"Pottery, for me, is not just about creating beautiful objects—it is about storytelling, connecting with my heritage, and preserving a craft that has been passed down through generations. Through my work, I aim to keep this tradition alive, while also bringing a touch of modernity to the ancient art. I am proud of the journey that has brought me to where I am today, and I am excited to continue creating, teaching, and sharing my love for pottery with the world.""