Maede Tafvizi
Ceramic
Rhode Island School of Design
Specialisms: Ceramics / Design and Technology / Fine Art
Location: Providence Rhode Island, United States
Maede Tafvizi
First Name: Maede
Last Name: Tafvizi
Specialisms: Ceramics / Design and Technology / Fine Art
Sectors:
My Location: Providence Rhode Island, United States
University / College: Rhode Island School of Design
Course / Program Title: Ceramic
About
I am Maede Tafvizi, a recent graduate in ceramic art from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). My work delves into the intricate relationship between material, space, and identity, reflecting my personal journey and rich cultural heritage.
My artistic journey began with a significant shift during my high school years. Struggling to fit in and feeling misunderstood, I transitioned from a mathematical background to the world of art. I pursued an undergraduate degree in Islamic art at the Art University of Isfahan, where I discovered a profound connection to ceramics. Growing up in Isfahan, a city steeped in historical and cultural heritage, I was inspired by its intricate Arabesque traceries, urban design, and architecture.
At RISD, I expanded my technical and conceptual understanding of ceramics. My recent work focuses on using Egyptian paste, an ancient, self-glazing material, in conjunction with modern 3D printing technology. This innovative approach bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary methods, allowing me to create intricate ceramic pieces that resonate with both personal and cultural narratives.
In my current project, I explore themes of belonging and identity through the lens of Iranian tapestry patterns, specifically Zillo. By translating these traditional patterns into 3D-printed ceramics, I navigate my own sense of space and identity, reflecting on my experiences of displacement and longing for home. This work embodies my commitment to sustainable art practices and the continuous exploration of how we inhabit and transform our environments.
Through my art, I aim to capture the essence of my experiences and emotions, creating pieces that speak to the universal human experience of seeking connection and belonging.
This project explores the concept of space—both physical and conceptual—and how we inhabit and personalize the spaces around us. Inspired by my country’s rich cultural heritage and my family’s rug business in Iran, I draw on the art of tapestry rugs, which define space with their dimensions, weight, and stories deeply tied to individuality. Utilizing Egyptian paste, an ancient, low-temperature, single-firing ceramic recipe, I merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. This approach allows me to investigate the profound connection between material, space, and identity, crafting art that resonates with both personal and cultural narratives.
Competitions
