Jurabek Sidikov

Karavan Saray Sayfiddin

Coppersmith

©Andrey Arakelyan

The intricate art of embossing

Jurabek creates unique patterns in the local tradition of Bukhara
He has inherited of this ancient craft from his mother
He often depicts flowers that grow in his native region

Jurabek Sidikov took up embossing from his mother, who practised it herself. Conscious of her young boy's desire to study this ancient craft, she brought him to master Rakhmat Ruziev who taught him everything. Jurabek learned how to work with different metals and different tools, how to develop patterns and how to use them for different types of finished works. Today he creates various objects, from decorative panels to vessels, trays and jewellery. He covers them with traditional abstract ornaments, floral patterns, ayahs, figurative images. Jurabek says that some of the ideas for future work come to him in his dreams – and he follows these visions, trusting that they come to him from the richness of life.

Interview

©Andrey Arakelyan

©Andrey Arakelyan

What techniques do you use in your work?: Embossing is a very delicate and painstaking craft and there are a lot of techniques that I am constantly using. The most basic of them is chasing on brass or copper, and then there is embossing, miniature, enamelling and calligraphy among others.
What was the first project that you were proud of?: My first significant project was a square double-carved abstract panel that I made in 2000. I was inspired by the work of Kazimir Malevich and I combined it with Uzbek motifs. Today it is in Poland in a private collection.
How do you choose the subject for your pieces?: I get inspired by everything that is good and pure in this world. I try to keep keen senses and to see beauty in everything that surrounds me. The motifs and the topics come to me naturally in the moments when I do not pressure myself into being creative.
How do you relate to tradition in your work?: I always think about those who worked before us and how hard it was in those days, and despite this, they made such masterpieces which are now in many museums around the world. I want to be worthy of our ancestors and to have my work passed on to future generations.

Jurabek Sidikov is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2004