In this episode, embroiderer and founder of the Armenian Embroidery Instagram account Lizzy Vartanian discusses the quiet but powerful craft of embroidery. From helping people cultivate presence to expressing their love for others, embroidery has long been a valued and quiet craft in Armenian culture. In the episode, Lizzy explains the different types of embroidery, how the art form helps her slow down and the challenges of building her own business in a new country.
Check out Lizzy’s workshops and kits at armenianembroidery.com
Lizzy Vartanian is a British Armenian embroidery artist based between London and Yerevan. She learnt how to embroider at the age of 5 on a trip from London to Sydney to visit Armenian relatives. Much of her work is based on family roots in Lebanon, Syria and Western Armenia. She has taught workshops in London, Armenia and Jordan, including the Victoria and Albert Museum. She has exhibited in London, Yerevan and Amman, including the Royal Academy of Art. Lizzy is the founder of the Armenian Embroidery account on Instagram and has created embroidery kits to teach Armenian embroidery and make learning about Armenian embroidery more accessible.