Margarita Ghazaryan: “I try to combine journalism and handicrafts”

In addition to journalism Margarita Ghazaryan also studies old traditional varieties and patterns. Combining them with the demands of the new times, she creates unique jewelry and various accessories (brushes, embroidery postcards, bookmarks, embroidery toys), which gradually turns into business. She likes to experiment with new ideas.

“I was surrounded by people who are engaged in crafting. My grandfather was a builder, my nephew was engaged in smuggling, and my grandmother was a carpet-maker in time. Her stories have inspired me to be curious about crafts. Since my mother and my aunt worked hard, I also tried to do it myself. Until the school age, I was trying to do something with herbs, painting, and then started sewing at school.

• How did you switched from journalism to art?
• At a very mature age, I chose journalist profession, which for some time removed me from handicraft. Then the circumstances were arranged so that people at the right time appeared who helped me to decide and return to my preferences. I applied to YSU Arts Department. I began to discover the sides of the Armenian art, then unknown to me, and later to apply them in my works. Now I am engaged in journalism and handcrafts, trying to refer to art and craft in journalistic materials. When I decided to recall embroidery, I was always looking for somewhere where to learn. Once I saw a statement, I called for classes. Meanwhile, Syrian-Armenian embroidery masters have just started spreading their handicraft experience in Armenia
• How did you come up with the idea to represent new designs of these patterns and carvings in the form of jewelry, toys and various types of carts?
• As for me, not only the technical aspect of crafts, but also the creative approach is important, I decided to do experiments. I started to make jewelry for me. Whenever I was wearing it, they always asked where it was from. I realized there are people who are also interested in it.
• What about turning these interest into a business activity?
• I thought about it at the very beginning, but I have considered it as an ideal choice, because it is a combination of the pleasant and useful. There are many women who have many skills, but many do not consider it a job, just because they do not earn by it. I think it’s great when a woman’s potential is not lost, she’s in love with her job and is not financially dependent. For me, I have differentiated: there are works that I regard as art, there are those that are originally made for sale.
• What do you think about preserving the ancient and traditional, at the same time combining with the new times? Did you find that connection?
• I think it’s important. On the one hand, the tradition is not forgotten, is being introduced into new times, and on the other hand, many traditions are not applicable today. That’s why it is necessary to sift the traditional, taking the important and bringing to the new times and apply it. In other words, this is an important point when the traditional and the new ones do not contradict each other; moreover, they walk side by side. With my work I try to establish that connection.

Full text in Armenian