Michele Jaffarian's Projects

BFA Student

Major: Ceramics

Graduation Year: 2018

Artist Statement:

Caught in nature’s elegance for inspirations, such as landscapes, and mountains; I am creating functional and sculptural ceramic works that are handcrafted to portray the soulful, loving and angelic connection I experience with both ways of life. Using my drawing skills, I incorporate nature by using surface illustrations and subtractive carving to bring the reiterations of nature to life on various functional ceramics. In addition to functional pieces, I also bring nature to life with sculptural ceramics. A major factor in my practice and in the essence of my work, is making it with only one normal hand and learning to use my deformed hand within my practice. In turn, making my practice work for my body, allowing what I created to hold my hand of the artist mark, within each and every piece is a crucial essence and presence for which I hope my audience connects with.
All works are made with high fire porcelain clay and are oxidation fired to ensure the crisp, clean, quality of the white porcelain.

Biography:

Michele Jaffarian currently resides in Portland, Maine as a Senior at Maine College of Art.
She will receive her BFA in Ceramics this coming May, 2018. Jaffarian’s functional pottery focuses on tactility, evidence of the hand, and nature inspired illustrations on high fire porcelain vessels.
Jaffarian’s pieces are truly one of a kind. She was born with only one functional hand and is constantly altering her studio practice to accommodate to her body, making it easier, yet still productive. She is looking forward to having a home studio practice, where she can continue to make functional pottery and sculptural ceramics.