Armine Poghosyan
Embroiderer
Vanadzor, Armenia
When thread serves as paint
- Armine’s painterly embroideries reflect the heritage of Armenian decorative applied art
- She shares her skills and traditional techniques with students
- Colour choice and dimensionality are key features of her creative expression
“I paint with threads,” is how Armine Poghosyan describes her craft practice. Her love for painting and embroidery led her to develop a unique artistic language in which thread replaces the brush and fabric becomes the canvas. Born in Dilijan, Armine studied at the Fine Art School named after Hovhannes Sharambeyan, and from 1993 to 1998, studied Decorative Applied Arts in Yerevan State University. Her passion for embroidery was nurtured by her mentor, Noushik Malkhasyan. To this day, Armine's creations convey the influence of the heritage of Serik Davtyan, ethnographer and a master of decorative art. She applies a broad range of textile techniques to craft her artworks, including lacemaking, tapestry, carpet weaving, thread work, flat-surface embroidery, Marash embroidery, frivolité, macramé and silk ribbon embroidery.
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
Embroidery was always around me. I grew up watching my mother weaving with a hook, and practising flat-surface embroidery. In school, I first learned to work the tools of lacework, and later learned to see colour and composition in painting studies. Embroidery gradually became my language of expression.
I live in a place where inspiration meets me at every step. Nature is always present: the light, the weather, the landscape that changes with every season. But it is not only nature. Music, poetry and travelling move me, as do the people around me.
My work brings painting and embroidery together, creating an emotional world. I create 3D and immersive views. Sometimes people need to touch the piece to realise it is made with threads.
I love the sense of harmony in my work. Each movement of the needle is a moment of creation. The piece gradually unfolds, revealing itself slowly, and in this process I feel a deep connection with the work. Spontaneity is essential in my practice. I never fully know which colour palette will emerge.
