Bogdan Hovhannisyan

Stone sculptor

©Bogdan Hovhannisyan

©Tatevik Malumyan

A destiny set in stone

Bodgan has made cross-stones for 30 years
He believes crafts should be taught at schools
His studio is open to anyone who seeks the space to create

Bogdan Hovhannisyan is a stone sculptor and cross-stone carver from Vanadzor, Armenia. He has specialised in the local traditional art of cross-stone making for almost 30 years. Initially he went to a painting school, and later continued with sculpture. Being born into a family of stone masters, he remembers carving tuff stones when he was only in his first year at school. For him following in his family's footsetps is his destiny. Bodgan has his own unique approach to everything, he describes it as “abstract”, but simple and beautiful. He strongly believes, that school children should be exposed to different crafts at school as it shapes their creativity and mindset. Bogdan’s studio is open to everyone who wants to learn about the arts and is simply is seeking a space to create.

Interview

©Tatevik Malumyan

©Tatevik Malumyan

How did you become a stone master?: I am a sculptor by destiny. My grandfather, father, brothers, almost everybody in the family, worked with stone. I remember, when my father was constructing our house, I was in my first grade and was carving tuff stones.
Where did you study?: When I finished high school, it was clear that I was going to go to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, to study at an art college. I started as a painter, later continuing as a sculptor. It is now 30 years that I have been making cross-stones.
What is unique about your cross-stones?: They do not resemble each other and do not resemble other cross-stones. I can use two, even three colours in one cross-stone. I have my approach to everything; abstract, but simple and beautiful.
Why is it important to know a craft?: In old times everybody believed that a craft could turn your hands into gold. The craft was a source of money until technology came into our lives and young people lost their interest in crafts. Craft is a philosophy. I would like schools to offer different crafts as I believe it makes children more creative.

Bogdan Hovhannisyan is a master artisan: he began his career in 1980 and he started teaching in 2002