And he would do it again. But let’s start with something more gentle. I had another miniature painting class today. I am nearing completion of my painting and having learned about application of paint, gold leaf and gold pigment and other materials required to approximate the process as it was done centuries ago. It is a somewhat slow and meditative practice, and I am glad to add it to my art toolbox.
Next, I wandered around town, re-visited the local art store to see what the Russian brands had to offer, and then made my way to bus 43 for Woolway’s 6th anniversary celebration, Threads and Songs of Armenia. It was rather an arduous bus ride, but I don’t really mind as it is always an opportunity to experience Yerevan and Armenia in different ways and with different routes.
The evening at Woolway Studios was beautifully organized. The garden was set with a backdrop of carpets from Hayk’s collection. Seating was made of hay bundles with rugs laid over top. Food and wine was delicious. And light strings across the garden gave everything a festive glow.
Add to all this an outdoor musical concert, and a group of people that were really like the extended family of Woolway Studios. One couple from England (working for the EU) were interested in a purchase from Woolway. Another gentleman from England surprised me with his fluent Armenian; he has lived in the country for 30 years and is in the carpet business. He also surprised by producing from his pocket a ball of red wool he had dyed in madder, sharing how pleased he was with the result. A woman I met was working for the government in cultural heritage preservation. She shared some of her knowledge with me in reference to the carpets on display.
We all sat around a fire at the end of the evening, listened to songs, and I tried to keep up with the Armenian jokes and riddles! It was a memorable evening and experience for me.
Back to Yandex. I took a taxi back home, and my driver soon let me know that he had fought in the Nagorno-Karabagh war in 2020. He had a crutch at his side. He said that the only solution to Armenia’s political situation is to fight, and he would not hesitate to defend his country again. He did not have patience for Pashinyan’s style of governance and was very distrustful of his vision of Armenia. I said little, except that we all hope for better times ahead.
