An Island of Light1- 30 September 2026
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved
Narine Poladyan
©All rights reserved

Narine Poladyan

Stone carver

Gyumri, Armenia

Soft motifs on ancient stone

  • Narine is among Armenia's first craftswomen to practise cross-stone carving
  • Her works combine traditional khachkar ornamentation with floral motifs
  • She shares her knowledge in stone carving with her students both at her studio and online

In her light-filled workshop a few streets from the main square of Gyumri, Narine Poladyan practises the Armenian craft of khachkar carving, which dates back to the 4th century. Born and raised in Beirut, she trained as an architect before moving to Yerevan in 2018. “There, I discovered the craft of stone carving and started learning how to carve on my own,” she says. In 2019, she moved to Gyumri, opened her own studio, and carved her first traditional cross-stone. As people grew interested in her work, guests began asking to learn the skill themselves. Today, Narine offers stone carving classes in her Gyumri studio for adults, children, and travellers who wish to discover the art of shaping stone.

Narine Poladyan is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2022.

INTERVIEW

While exploring Yerevan, I was captivated by the street-side stone carvers. Curious and determined, I asked to practice with them. They welcomed me warmly and handed me the tools. Though my very first stone broke in three spots, I still cherish it as the beginning of my carving journey.

Viewers often describe my work as unexpectedly feminine and distinct. This comes from my primary inspirations: flowers and nature. My process begins by painting my designs directly onto the stone before I start carving. I also combine a personal eternity symbol with the floral elements to represent rebirth.

Today, only a handful of artisans keep this tradition alive. Through my courses, I pass this ancient knowledge down to younger generations. While khachkars, Armenian cross-stones, are often associated with funerals and mourning, I try to reframe the craft in a fresh and engaging way. I have also created learning kits containing stone and carving tools, which I send to students who wish to learn through online classes.

I dream of a monumental khachkar crafted by a million hands. As each person carves a single, delicate stroke into the stone, they leave their own mark as an Armenian. One day, it will stand as a living testament of how Armenians from around the world came together to create a single work of art.

Narine Poladyan

Stone carver

Gyumri, Armenia

ADDRESS

H. Sargsyan St, 3108, Gyumri, Armenia

View on Maps

AVAILABILITY

By appointment only

PHONE

+374 98177504

LANGUAGES

Armenian, French, English, Arabic

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