Art That Connects Us to Food and Our Home 

Where we live and who we grow up with can often influence who we become later in life.  

Maedeh Mosaverzadeh (Mayi Mosaver) was immersed in art from an early age as she grew up with an artistic family. Her creativity was nurtured and she began to see her potential as an artist. 

As the Library’s Newcomer Artist in Residence, Maedeh is helping others find creative ways to express themselves and share moments that feel like home.  

Moving Across the World 

Maedeh was born and raised in Tehran. It’s the largest city in Iran and West Asia with around nine million living in the city, and 16.8 million in the surrounding metropolitan area. 

“Tehran is a really busy city. It's very friendly but it’s very chaotic compared to Calgary,” says Maedeh. “It’s home to me. It’s where most of my friends and family still are.” 

In 2019, Maedeh decided to move from Iran to Canada to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Drawing at the University of Calgary. She was moving to a place with a different language, culture, and climate. It slowly felt like the right decision and became home. Now she feels settled and inspired living here. 

“I started to connect with nature in Calgary. Coming from a really busy city, it's not as accessible. In Calgary, there are so many parks and it's much quieter.” 

Being in Calgary has shaped her work, as Maedeh’s connection to nature has now become a predominant aspect of her art. 

Art That Shows a Glimpse of Life 

Maedeh bridges visual arts, illustration, and animation, using storytelling as a tool for reflection. It’s an accessible way to show complex ideas like climate change and cultural identity. When looking at her art, you will see a glimpse of life. 

“Whether it's showing people or nature, my work shows stories about life as I experience it and where I see beauty.” 

Inspiring Creativity at the Library 

Like many newcomers in Calgary, Maedeh spent a lot of time at the Library when she first moved here. 

“When I visited the Library in my first year living here, I saw that someone was doing a residency. I saw their photo and their art supplies from the window and imagined how nice that would be. So, it really feels like a dream come true to be here.” 

In all cultures, food is something that brings us together. When we eat something from our childhood, it can immerse all our senses and evoke memories. During her residency at the Library, Maedehwill be incorporating tastes from her past into something that can be shared with others. 

“I am working on a series of illustrations of recipes that remind me of home and the memories I had to feel more connected in these uncertain times. I am showcasing my work at the Library when my residency ends.”  

At her next workshop, Maedeh will be helping youth illustrate recipes that feel like home to them. Participants will explore how food reminds them of things and can even bring back feelings of being cared for.  

When teaching others about art, Maedeh encourages curiosity and personal expression. She looks forward to talking to members of the community about their artistic practice and areas that they may want to improve. 

Connect with Maedeh or attend one of her programs. 

Residencies at the Library  

There are seven residencies at Calgary Public Library throughout the year. Our three seasonal Artists in Residence support artists, collectives, and arts organizations working in Indigenous art and placemaking, children's art and illustration, or the newcomer experience. 

Learn more about Residencies at the Library