Hovhannes Mnoyan

Darbnots

Blacksmith

©Zanan Photostudio

Born a blacksmith

Hovhannes inherited blacksmithing from his family
He received a degree in painting
His studio Darbnots is always open for visitors

Hovhannes Mnoyan lives and works in Gyumri, where he and his family own Darbnots studio. He jokes saying “the sound of forging metals was in my mind since my birth." He learned his skills from his family and believes that one needs lots of experience to become a master even if talent is transferred from your ancestors. Most of his works can be found while walking in Gyumri, where his family’s signature is on doors, on gates, and on windows. While he uses modern techniques, he always aims to honour blacksmithing traditions, not to ruin the historical image of the city. Hovhannes approaches his work as a theatrical play: “I like the process of forging hard, the sweat, the feeling of tiredness which takes you to a perfect end: to a piece of art."

Interview

©Zanan Photostudio

©Zanan Photostudio

What is your educational background?: I graduated from university as a painter, which helps me a lot, but I was born to be a blacksmith. All my ancestors were blacksmiths and I started to work with heavy tools when I was in my first grade at school.
Do you remember your first piece?: Yes, I worked with red metal for the first time when I was 7 and I still have that piece signed 1996. It is hanging in my studio and it stays there as a reminder of how I have developed my skills through hard work and passion.
Where do you have your works displayed?: Most of my works: doors, chandeliers, windows can be seen while you walk in Gyumri. I have been lucky to get the opportunity to decorate my hometown and I always try to keep the signature of our Darbnots studio.
What do you particularly like about your work?: It’s not easy to reach perfection and I like the process of thinking and playing with the metals, they are like clay and it is a wide medium for developing your skills and experiencing different techniques.

Hovhannes Mnoyan is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000