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Welcome to Natia Malazonias artistic journey!
Natia is incredibly proud to have been born in Georgia, in Tbilisi. Reflecting on her roots, she is filled with pride and joy, knowing that her homeland, with its rich history, culture, and tradition, has deeply shaped who she is today. Being born in Georgia has given her a profound connection to a culture that continually inspires and fuels her creativity. The beauty of Georgian culture provides Natia with a unique vision and serves as a guiding hand throughout her artistic journey.
Natia often emphasizes the profound influence of her cherished extended family. She says, 'I am deeply grateful for the role my family has played in my personal growth. I feel truly blessed to have such a supportive family, whose unwavering love and guidance have been essential in shaping the person I am today. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to my parents—their contributions are unforgettable, and their constant strength and encouragement continue to inspire me. "I am incredibly proud of my wonderful husband and my son. They are always there for me, offering support and encouragement, which allows me to fully dedicate myself to my professional work. I am so grateful for their constant help and love."
Natia says: "I don't remember a time when I wasn't drawing or creating handmade items—it's as if I've been immersed in art since birth. Despite the health challenges I face, I will never leave art behind. My most cherished techniques, which are boundless and inexhaustible, will always live on in me. I have a deep love for nature and music, both of which are always a part of me and likely influence my art. It brings me great joy to share the knowledge I've gathered with others."
After graduating from the Art Academy in her homeland, Natia embarked on an internship at the Tapestry and Art Textile Museum, where she had the privilege of studying various techniques that have profoundly influenced her work. After internship one of the most impactful experiences was learning the partition enamel technique. This method not only refined her understanding of composition and design, but also taught her the importance of intricate detail in creating striking, layered works of art. The process of drawing, designing, and working meticulously with partitions continues to inspire and shape her creative vision, allowing her to create pieces that are visually captivating and richly textured.
A pivotal moment in Natia's artistic journey occurred during a visit to the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi, where she first encountered the breathtaking Khakhuli triptych icon. The Khakhuli triptych is a medieval Georgian repoussé icon that incorporates over 100 examples of Georgian and Byzantine cloisonné enamel from the 8th to the 12th century. The Khakhuli triptych is the world's largest cloisonné enamel, measuring 116 cm x 95. The Khakhuli triptych made an indelible mark on Natia.
Natia recalls how the icon spoke to her, its timeless beauty compelling her to learn this art form. In that moment, she promised herself to dedicate her life to studying the technique of cloisonné enamel, despite the challenges she faced.
At that time, there were no phones or maps to guide her, but her passion and determination led her to discover the renowned "Ornament Art Gallery" in Tbilisi, where she learned the intricate art of cloisonné enamel. This royal technique has captivated Natia ever since. The lessons she received there were more than just technical skills—they were a deep connection to the divine, a gift she will never forget.
Natia Malazonia: The Gallery Ornament in Tbilisi stands as a crucial institution in the revival of Georgian enamel artistry.
Now, cloisonné enamel has become as essential to her as air itself; without it, life would lose its color and meaning.
The cloisonné enamel technique began in Georgia as early as the 8th and 9th century. This intricate method of decorating metalwork with colorful enamel flourished during the medieval period, particularly in the context of Georgian religious art. It was used to adorn religious artifacts such as icons, crosses, and jewelry. Over time, this technique developed into an essential element of Georgia’s rich religious and artistic heritage.
The art continued to evolve in Georgia until the 15th century, which is considered the golden age of Georgian Cloisonné Enamel. Many famous stories are tied to specific works from this period, one of the most well-known being that of the Khakhuli Icon. Stolen from the Gelati Monastery in 1859, it wasn’t returned to Georgia until 1923, with the period in between remaining shrouded in mystery.
In the 20th century, the cloisonné enamel technique fell into decline and was on the brink of being lost. Both the world and Georgia almost saw the disappearance of this cherished art form. However, a group of passionate and dedicated enamel artists took it upon themselves to restore this ancient tradition. Today, Georgian cloisonné enamel has become a highly sought-after symbol of authenticity for tourists and travelers in search of a genuine piece of cultural heritage.
Georgia, I am sharing all this because I am Georgian, and I work with this ancient technique. Like many of my colleagues, I strive to blend tradition with innovation in my work. While every country has its own vision and history, I speak with pride about my beloved Georgia.
Natia's ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy that celebrates the beauty of cloisonné enamel and inspires others to continue its legacy for centuries to come.
Having spent over 27 years honing her craft, Natia now feels a deep desire to share her knowledge with others. She teaches a variety of mediums, including cloisonné enamel, mosaic, acrylic painting, oil painting, and mixed media. Each technique offers its own unique challenges and rewards, allowing for the creation of stunning works of art. Natia draws deep inspiration from painting in nature, where she fully immerses herself in the beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by the vibrant colors, soothing sounds, and ever-changing sights of nature, she finds herself deeply connected to her surroundings. This connection fuels her creativity, providing a wellspring of ideas and emotions that enrich her self-expression. The tranquility and harmony of the natural environment serve as a constant source of inspiration, helping her to channel her artistic vision in new and exciting ways.
Sharing her passion with her students and witnessing their enthusiasm for the techniques fills Natia with immense joy.
Natia Malazonia invites others to join her on this creative journey, exploring the beauty and intricacy of cloisonné enamel together. She believes that by nurturing this art form, they can celebrate the fusion of tradition and innovation, making the technique timeless.
There are numerous enamel techniques, each with its own unique appeal and charm. Each enamel technique offers different possibilities for color, texture, and design, contributing to the rich diversity of enamel art across cultures.
I'm delighted to hear that there are so many enamel artists around the world, each with their own distinctive style. We connect with one another, united by a shared mission: to preserve and promote this art form, ensuring it is passed down to future generations. This sense of community and collaboration is truly special. I hold deep respect and appreciation for all my fellow artists.
Natia Malazonia: "If you feel the magic of Cloisonné Enamel or other techniques, you will always love it for the rest of your life!"
Doctoral Degree faculty of Chemical Technologies and Metallurgy
https://www.artisspectrum.com/artbeat/georgia-the-home-of-cloisonne/
https://art-mine.com/collectors-corner/2016/09/natia-malazonia-cloisonne-enamel/
2019 ARTEXPO NEW YORK | APRIL 4–7 | PIER 90
2022 ARTEXPO NEW YORK
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