Varaz Samuelian

• Name — Varaz Samuelian Վարազ Սամվելյան • Birth Name — Varazdat Samuel Samuelian • Born — 1917 • Birthplace — Yerevan, Armenia, Russian Empire • Died — November 7, 1995 (age 78) • Place of death — Fresno, California, United States • Occupation — writer, painter and sculptor • Spouse — Ann

Of Armenian descent, Varaz Samuelian was born in Yerevan, Armenia. His parents were survivors of the Armenian genocide. Samuelian eventually settled in France. During his time in Paris, Samuelian studied with renowned painters such as Othon Friesz, André Lhote and Fernand Léger. During World War II he was a German prisoner of war. Samuelian eventually settled in California in 1946. When arriving in California he moved to Burlingame to be closer with his brother. It was during this period in his life where he began to paint. He turned his painting hobby into a business as a sign painter. Due to his success as a sign painter, he eventually moved to Belmont, California. Samuelian eventually met his wife Ann there. • Illustration — Samuelian's Abandoned Statue of David of Sassoun near Highway 41 and Van Ness in downtown Fresno, California USA Varaz Samuelian estimated that during his career he created a thousand works of art, including a monumental statue of the Armenian folkloric legend David of Sassoun in front of the Fresno County Courthouse. He is also noted for his bronze bust of William Saroyan at the entrance of the Fresno Convention Center. Varaz Samuelian was a writer of several books, including one on his relationship with William Saroyan entitled Willie and Me. He died on November 7, 1995, at the age of 78.

Varaz Samuelian is recorded with the occupation sculptor. Recorded at birth as Վարազդատ Սամվելի Սամվելյան. Recorded as painter, sculptor and writer. Formation and teaching. Samuelian studied at Panos Terlemezyan State College of Fine Arts. He trained under Fernand Léger.