Armenian painter and ceramist Tsolak Shaginyan

Tsolak Shaginyan was born in 1964 in the Armenian city of Gyumri. Since 1980, he learned the artist’s skills at the College of Arts, and then at the Academy of Arts in Yerevan, where he specialized in ceramics.
Tsolak believes that family has played a central role in his life and work. The Armenian family traditions play a significant role in the working themes of his creations. The various seasons of the year dictate his creative style and activity. He enjoys painting in the summer months, and working with ceramics during winter months. However, he has found ceramics to be more of his passion than the painting. He feels that working with clay is more relaxing, especially during the difficult months of the year. Tsolak finds Hripsime Simonyan as an inspirational figure. In his artwork, Tsolak works to bring together elements of many artistic interests, combining ceramic figures with drawing, and incorporating other items such as yarn or tapestry.