Hambik Hambardzumyan

Cross-Stone Studio

Stone sculptor

©Lora Atoyan

Playing an old Armenian game

Hambik learned cross-stone carving from his father
He strives to preserve the culture of Armenian cross-stones
He offers workshops in his open-air studio

Hambik’s studio is located in the centre of Old Yerevan, in an open-air space, so passers-by always stop to look at his marvellous stone creations, called khachkars, or cross-stones. His studio is known as a hidden gem of Old Yerevan and is always full of visitors. Hambik learned cross-stone carving from his father. As he says, he didn’t choose this craft, it happened naturally. He describes his job as a game with stones and firmly believes that the moment it stops being playful is the moment it becomes just a job. He loves and believes in the ancient sacred craft of cross-stone carving and is open to sharing his knowledge and skills with anyone who wants to learn about Armenian cross-stones.

Interview

©Lora Atoyan

©Lora Atoyan

Did you learn from a master?: As we live near our family studio, I have been playing with stone since I was three years old. I learned this craft from my father, Varazdat Hambarzumyan.
When did you decide to pursue this craft as a job?: I didn’t choose this craft, it picked me. I didn’t think of this journey, it came naturally, and I am thankful for that. This is not only a job for me, it still remains a game, and I really don’t want to stop playing.
How is your craft connected to Armenian history?: Khachkars (cross-stones) are typical of this country, of Armenians. I am trying to preserve the culture of Armenian cross-stones, which came to us over the generations.
What is your working space like?: Our studio is in an open space in the centre of Old Yerevan. It is open to everyone, and people always come and watch what we do. If there are people interested in taking a workshop, we teach them.

Hambik Hambardzumyan is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2012