Sharing a passion for creating
- Yaroslav finds inspiration in Japanese aesthetics and Armenian landscapes
- He teaches visual arts at UWC Dilijan
- He finds joy in sharing his knowledge and skills
“I like the process of transforming an abstract idea into an original ceramic piece,” says Yaroslav Zabavskiy describing his passion for ceramics. Born in Moscow in 1990, he studied ceramics and photography at Earlham College (USA) in 2014. His teaching career started at the British Higher School of Art and Design, one of Russia’s main centres for international education in the field of Art and Design. In 2016, Yaroslav moved to Armenia and currently is the Head of Arts Faculty at United World College Dilijan where he teaches visual arts with an emphasis on ceramics, sculpture as well as darkroom based film photography. In the process of making ceramics, Yaroslav likes mixing forms and images and transferring photography onto the clay.
INTERVIEW
First, I like the process of creation, when your idea is transformed into a living object in a material world. Second, I am inspired to share my knowledge with my students and create an atmosphere where everyone becomes a teacher and a learner at the same time.
I love constantly reinterpreting and giving new life to different traditions. I refer to the Japanese aesthetic tradition of wabi-sabi with its emphasis on imperfections and ephemerality. Recently I have also been interested in studying traditional Armenian vessel forms.
I like creating ceramic vessels and sculptures with textures that reference the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Armenia. Some of my works are inspired by Sevan Lake and other picturesque natural sites found in Armenia.
My most memorable moments are connected with my students. I appreciate moments when I see how my students create their own universe of ceramics. I encourage students to find their own artistic voice through experimentation and constant development.
