Incredibly, today’s forecast was very similar to that in Toronto. It was much cooler and cloudy in Yerevan today. I spent the early part of the day on the computer, leaving ICA at 3 pm, when it just started to rain. It was the first time I saw rain in Armenia! And what a trickle! It lasted for all of about 3 minutes. My raincoat was useful in keeping me warm during the cool winds, and secure in the knowledge that should a downpour occur, I was covered. But I needn’t have worried!
I took a walk to a different part of town today, in Khentron. I had to find Defense of Van 1915 Street, which was a struggle. Google Maps just kept turning me around, and my 20 minute walk became one hour. The walk was interesting, but I was frustrated for having to take so long getting to where I had to go. (I finally got some real-time help from Mariam of Agulis Pigments, (@agulis_pigments) who I purchased the mineral pigments from.) My detour meant I had to miss my language class☹️.
I also met the founder of Agulis Pigments, a wonderful and wise gentleman who values Armenian heritage and cares deeply about the future of Armenia. We had a conversation about what it is to be Armenian, about the pigments, and about what diaspora Armenians can do. I had to be on time for my miniature painting class, so I regretfully parted ways sooner than I would have liked.
My final painting class with Mariam (@armenian_miniature_studio) was wonderful. Although the classes are really just 1- 1 1/2 hours long, everyone stays longer. I was late by 15 minutes, but she gave me enough time to complete an illustrated prayer said before beginning work (praying for success). I was given authentic Armenian vordan garmir to use for the lettering. The endangered Armenian cochineal is not available and Mexican cochineal is used as a substitute, so this was a treat!) I also incorporated gold pigment in the illustration. 🎉 Just another wonderful day!
(The prayer translates as follows:”Direct the work of our hands upon us, Lord, and prosper the work of our hands upon us.” (It is adapted from Psalm 89 in the Eastern Orthodox/Armenian Septuagint numbering), Verse 17.))