Gor Vahramyan

Horus Studio

Leatherworker

©Zavod House

©Gor Vahramyan

A human approach

Gor is a self-taught leatherworker
His first piece was a small wallet for his wife
He offers wallet making workshops for beginners

Gor Vahramyan is a leather artisan, who together with his wife Gayane, founded the Horus Leather Studio in Noyemberyan, Armenia. It all started from a small wallet that Gor made for his wife as a present and felt that leather making is the craft closest to his personality. Gor’s works resemble perfection and it is hard to believe that he is self-taught: he mostly learned from video tutorials. Using only natural premium leather, he makes everything by hand, and believes that one is always mastering a craft. Gor says: "I believe crafts are very close to the essence of human existence. Pursuing a craft has a meditative effect”.

Interview

©Zavod House

©Zavod House

How did you start working with leather?: In 2017 when Gayane, my wife, and I were not married yet, she showed me a wallet that she liked, and I decided that I was going to try and make a similar one for her. I went to a shop and asked for a few pieces of leather and after watching a few tutorials on Youtube, I made the wallet.
What is the story behind Horus Leather Studio?: In 2018, I decided to try to make another accessory from leather. It was very difficult in the beginning, Gayane was always motivating and inspiring me. I was resilient and worked a lot, constantly experimenting with leather. In 2019 it became our small family business.
What materials and techniques do you use?: I exclusively work with premium natural leathers. I mainly use vegetable tanned leather and I buy them from the best tanneries in Tuscany. I don’t use exotic leathers as it is against my principles. I make everything by hand, I don’t use any electronic machines.
How your craft influenced your personality?: I believe crafts are very close to the essence of human existence and it’s a way to explore your talents. I would advise people not to be afraid of learning a craft and be open to learning and mastering skills.

Gor Vahramyan is a rising star: he began his career in 2019 and he started teaching in 2022