Svetlana Amatuni

Ceramicist

Exploring experimental ceramics

Svetlana studied design at State Academy of Fine Arts
She creates her works using experimental techniques
She blends ceramics with Armenian tuff stone

Inside the tranquility of Svetlana Amatuni's studio, tucked away in Oshakan, you can find unique ceramic creations. Svetlana studied design at the State Academy of Fine Arts and started her journey as a furniture and product designer. She was always driven by a desire to create things of genuine value. Over time, her style evolved, and she transitioned ceramics. Through this craft, Svetlana could embrace more experimental techniques and unconventional materials. She enjoys pushing the boundaries of what is possible with materials, often breaking traditional rules and challenging perceptions of how specific clays are used.

Interview

What do you like most about pottery?: What I love the most about pottery is the calm, mindful process and grounding effect that draws me fully into the present moment of exploring the clay's texture and form. There is a unique joy in witnessing the results of what I have shaped and feeling the authenticity of the work I have brought to life.
How would you define the style of your work?: I would define my work as minimalistic, with a focus on innovation that explores the connection between nature and human. My pieces aim to reconnect humanity with the natural world through simplicity and form.
Can you share a bit about your creative process?: I begin by envisioning the kind of product I want to create, but I never focus on the inner appearance of the ceramics from the start. Instead, I allow the clay to guide me, and the process unfolds according to my intuition.
What role do tradition and innovation play in your craft?: To innovate, it is essential to deeply understand traditional methods. My works are created using experimental techniques. While traditional ceramics tend to favour avoiding cracks, the distinctive feature of my work is embracing the cracks on the surface of the clay.

Svetlana Amatuni is a rising star: she began her career in 2020 and she started teaching in 2024