I spent two days in Tbilisi with family and friends, sans the kids. Our good friend, David, was heading back to Tbilisi and offered me a ride. It was a relaxing three-hour drive through the countryside. He stopped along the way to pick up coffee, drinks, khadjapori, and a basket full of fresh raspberries. When he dropped me off, he invited me to visit him and his wife, Tamuna, before I returned to Kutaisi.
My main reason for the trip: to purchase more supplies for my jewelry making. Shota, my jewelry instructor, offered to pick up the supplies on his next trip to Tbilisi, but he would not make that trip until the following week. Not to lose more time, I decided to get a head start. I asked Manana to phone her relatives in Tbilisi to see if they could accommodate me. To my fortunate surprise, Ani, Giorgi’s cousin, just got into town two days before. This all worked perfectly into my schedule!
The first time I visited Georgia, Ani was studying in England. She eventually met a Spanish guy in London, married, moved to Spain, and started a beautiful family (kids: Nico and Mia). During that period, I made several trips to Georgia and became well-acquainted with Ani’s sister, Sopo. So you can imagine how excited I was when I heard Ani was in town, even more excited to meet her. Afterall, I’m in love with her work.
Ani is an artist, much like her father. The only difference: Ani’s father paints beautiful scenes of country life in Georgia; Ani designs and creates beautiful jewelry, known in Georgia as Minankari (or what a jewelry connoisseur calls Cloissonne). Years ago, I remember Giorgi saying, “My cousin, Ani, is learning Minankari.” That was the second time the possibility of making Minankari crossed my mind. The first time, I waved the thought away because it sounded like a dream that never comes true. The second time around, however, I thought, “If she can do it, why can’t I.” My thoughts were right on, but my opportunity wouldn’t come until years later.
When the opportunity to learn Minankari became a reality, I instinctively thought of Ani. I emailed her about my interest in Minankari and asked if she could advise me on what type of kiln to purchase. She was very responsive and helpful.
Once I arrived in Tbilisi, Ani and I got along great. I asked Ani countless questions about her experience making Minankari jewelry: how does she come up with her designs, why does the glass (or enamel) occasionally crack, does she polish her tools by hand or with a polisher, what color enamels does she prefer to use: transparent/opaque, and how long did it take for her to feel comfortable making Minankari jewelry.
I love Ani’s jewelry because I can relate to her style: classically modern. She has been designing jewelry for the past five years and has produced some amazing pieces of art. The colors she chooses, the filigrees she creates, and the fine details in her work reveal her dedication and love for each ornament she produces. It must be hard to part with her work!
Ani and I spent well over two hours in the center choosing supplies. She was such a big help! The first floor of the building houses everything Minankari. The giant room contains numerous displays of glass jewelry cases: antique, modern, and Minankari jewelry. Towards the back of the building are shops that sell supplies to make Minankari. And in the very, very back are small workshops for designers, engravers, goldsmiths, silversmiths, etc.
Spending time with Ani and Sopo and their family in Tbilisi was a much needed break from Kutaisi. When Sopo returned home in the evening from work, we talked and talked well after midnight. The family is so kind and welcoming. I really enjoyed spending time with everyone. It is also nice, for a change, to speak English: not having to resort to sign language or Charades or talking to onself is relieving.
I also had the chance to visit David and Tamuna the next evening. (I know David from when he studied in the States; and Tamuna for eight years, ever since they got married.) They welcomed me with pastries, fresh bowls of fruit, tea, and juice on the patio in their backyard overlooking the city. The weather was warm with a cool breeze, enough to wear a light jacket. I didn’t take leave until 11:30pm; and when I returned home, Sopo, Ani and I talked and talked until the early morning.
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