About Me

Biography:

Education:

2003-2006

BA( Honours) Jewellery Design
Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London

2002-2003

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London

Exhibitions:

2008- CLJW, The Garden Party, Nicholas James Gallery- Langdales/Garden Studios

2008- Design & Craftsmanship awards 2008,  Goldsmiths’ Hall

2008- Desire, Richmond

2008- Valentines selling event of Garden Studios Langdales, Hatton Garden

2008- Collections,Earls Court one

 
2007- Christmas Open Studios of Garden Studios,  Langdales, Hatton Garden

2007- ‘I’m making jewellery because’,  Foli Folie, Bond St

2007- Goldsmiths’ Fair,  Goldsmiths’ Hall

2007- Design & Craftsmanship awards 2007,  Goldsmiths’ Hall

2007- Getting Started,  Goldsmiths’ Hall
 

2006- Trackside Gallery, Art of the enamel

2006- The Workshop Gallery

2006 - Studio Fusion Gallery, Rising Stars

Awards:

2008- Holts Academy Award: winner of “Special Award- Innovation”

 2008- Winner of the GOLD WARAD of  the Goldsmiths’ Design & Craftsmanship Awards 2008 in “JUNIOR ENAMMELR” category.

2007- Junior Enameller winner of the ‘Goldsmiths’ Design & Craftsmanship         Awards 2007’ 

Inspirations:

My collection explores the compilation of traditional Armenian patterns with the intricate textures of the cellular world when observed with a microscope.

My research started form viewing organic forms, natural and man made structures through the microscope (cells, fibres, etc). The main inspiration is from their texture, pattern and the way small elements, put together, make the actual shape.  

At the same time, I’ve been very much inspired in my Armenian origins; the motifs and ornaments of the Armenian architecture and manuscripts.

The jewellery is contemporary and surprising, made out of precious metals and transparent plique-a-jour enamels, lit up from behind to enhance the colourful contrast of church-inspired cut outs over a full, textured background.

Techniques:

My main technique is plique a jour which is the most exacting but exquisite of all the enamelling techniques. This beautiful technique uses transparent enamels without metal backing, letting light intensify and reflect the colours like a miniature stained glass window. The transparent enamel is held in small cloisons which are all hand pierced and filed in order to get the best result.
The term plique a jour, partly Italian and partly French in derivation, literally means   “similar to a membrane (plique) stretched in a way that the light of day (a jour) may pass trough”.