About

Artist Statement

Essentially I paint and sculpt in order to express a celebration of a subject or an idea.  The aim is to enjoy the process and often the subject is simply a device with which to explore colour and composition in 2D or 3D.   Ideas come from many sources:  whatever is around me; words; observing Nature, the everyday, etc.   I have the freedom to choose how to express what I experience, often an abstract sense or feeling will set me off.  My favourite words as I approach an artwork are:  simplicity, shapes, arrangement, colours.

However, I think the best interpretation of what I might finally produce is contained in a quotation from Matisse

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”

CV

Maria was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she initially taught herself to draw and paint, then took some private lessons in portrait painting.   On coming to London she developed her interest in mixed media at East Berkshire University by studying textiles as an art form and gained a Distinction in her Higher Diploma.   She eventually found a studio at Wimbledon Art Studios where she explores the potential of paint and sculpting.  Her work has been collected in the US, UK and Europe.  Besides exhibiting at Wimbledon Art Open Studios, her exhibitions have included The Mall Galleries London, The South West Academy of Fine & Applied Arts; and Royal Society of Martine Artists.   She has been shortlisted for the Green & Stone Summer Exhibition, The Chelsea Art Society; The Royal Hibernian Open Exhibition, Dublin and English Art Club, Mall Galleries.  

Inspiration has been drawn from the Dhunami teachings (dhunami.org) and researching Pop Art, Folk Art and artists such as Matisse and Patrick Caulfield.