Mels Yeghiazaryan

Woodcarver

©Ruben Danielyan

Art reigns supreme

Mels worked as head designer at Enkeboll designers
His first commission was to make wooden Armenian letters
He runs wood carving masterclasses in his beautiful studio

Mels Yeghiazaryan, the master craftsman, is a vital link in the chain of Armenian master woodcarvers․ Mels' carvings range from traditional Armenian cross-stones to wooden doors, mirrors, chairs, and cabinets. Being fascinated by wood art, he left his degree in Economics to pursue a career in the Arts. He found his own language to work with wood and considers himself to be his own teacher. He remembers fondly that for his first job, which was making wooden Armenian letters, he was paid for it with a car. Mels worked as the head designer for Enkeboll Designs for nearly a decade, a Los Angeles-based firm specialising in custom architectural woodcarving, where his designs continue to be reproduced. He currently lives in Armavir, Armenia, and offers apprenticeships in woodcarving and traditional Armenian calligraphy.

Interview

©Ruben Danielyan

©Ruben Danielyan

Why did you quit economics for woodcarving?: I never liked the profession of an economist. I have always admired the arts and my father taught me to make everything with my hands. Later, I became my own teacher by exploring and experimenting with different techniques.
What is the connection between your work and Armenian traditions?: Everything that is Armenian relates to my art: the alphabet, the music, the lifestyle of different regions, dialects, costumes, manuscripts, and more. In my work, there are many details of Armenian adornments and calligraphy.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?: The creation of my wooden letters, which are still in the House of Writers in Tsakhkadzor, a small town in Armenia. I have always been fascinated by letters and it was my first paid job, I was paid with a red Lada car, which I still remember.
Why did you chose to come back to Armenia from the US?: Though I worked as a head designer in Enkeboll Designs, a Los Angeles-based firm specialising in custom architectural woodcarving, I wanted to come back to Armenia as I have a deep connection with this place.

Mels Yeghiazaryan is a master artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 1995