Ani Qananyan

Ceramicist

Between nature and time

Ani creates ceramic sculptural pieces and home decor
She initially studied painting
Her works convey a deep connection between time and nature

Born in Georgia, Ani Qananyan now lives and works in Armenia, crafting ceramics in her studio space. Although Ani initially studied painting at Terlemezyan State College of Fine Arts, she decided to continue her studies as a ceramicist at the State Academy of Fine Arts. Ani’s works include everything from unique sculptures to tableware. She takes inspiration from nature to create abstract interpretations of thoughtfully crafted ceramic sculptures. She loves focusing on textures found in nature and exploring how they react to light, time, and weather. “I like observing the effects of time on nature and creating pieces that reflect my emotional perception of nature and time,” she says.

Interview

How would you describe your style, and how did you develop it?: I would describe it as abstract, emotional, and tactile. I believe that ceramics must attract tactile interest, inviting the viewer to touch and explore. My style is developing all the time. I started working with red and white clay but now I switched to porcelain.
Where do you find inspiration?: For me, creating sculptures is a way of attempting to see the connection between nature and time. My works are inspired by objects from my surrounding environment. I like capturing the effects of time on nature and trying to manifest these in ceramic.
Which material fascinates you the most?: Currently, my favourite material is probably porcelain. It allows me to feel the dualities, especially of fragility and resilience. Working with porcelain is a new experience for me and I like challenging the material and myself.
Can you share a bit about your creative process?: I usually go into the process with an idea and sketch already in my head. But once I start working on something I enjoy the freedom of letting go. I try to follow the intuitive and emotional direction and it always leads to unique results.

Ani Qananyan is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2012