Maria-Patricia Lupascu
Product Design Bdes
ArtEZ University of the Arts
Specialisms: Product Design / Ceramics / Material Innovation
Location: Arnhem, Netherlands
Title: My Casa Mare My design project takes influence from my Moldovan heritage, focusing on the significance of Casa Mare. By drawing from my culture and utilizing an innovative approach—using fabrics to create ceramic molds—I have crafted objects that visually represent Casa Mare, or " The Big House." Casa Mare is a meticulously decorated room where Moldovan families host important rituals and holidays. It houses the most valuable possessions, such as carpets, dowry chests, embroidered towels, and expensive objects. Traditionally, a well-maintained Casa Mare symbolizes the foundation of a family's success and showcases generational wealth and craftsmanship through beautiful handcrafted items and heirlooms. As a designer, I prioritize authenticity and embrace my cultural identity. This project has deepened my self-awareness, accentuating my attraction to rounded and flowy shapes rooted in the ornamental motifs of my upbringing. Drawing inspiration from familiar elements such as wall carpets, I created a collection that pays homage to Casa Mare’s aesthetics while infusing it with my unique perspective. Through this collection, I celebrate my cultural heritage while exploring new aspects of myself as a designer. By reimagining traditional motifs within a modern context, these objects become independent characters, reflecting my identity, passion, and connection to home.
Competitions
