Maria's journey through the arts has been a multifaceted and dynamic one, shaped by her early exposure to creativity within her artistic family, and further nurtured through her educational and professional experiences. Her passion for artistic expression has manifested in various forms, with screen printing, make-up artistry, muralist, bartending and set design all adding dimension to her diverse range of experiences.

A significant turning point in Maria's path was her decision to support a student with learning disabilities in tertiary study, which led her back to formal education. She completed the Advanced Diploma in Art and Design at Waiariki Institute of Technology in 2015, during which she developed a concept centered on re-engaging with childhood imagination. This concept has continued to influence her artistic practice, emphasizing elements of exploration, playfulness, working from the subconscious, spontaneity, and curiosity. These foundational principles have remained pivotal to her creative journey, guiding her approach to artistic expression.

Maria's artistic scope is expansive, encompassing a wide range of mediums and projects. While she embraces an unlimited approach to her creative expression, her primary mode of artistic engagement remains at the easel, with a paintbrush in hand.

Her 2021 solo show, SENSOSPHAERA LUCIDUM, stands as a testament to the passion and creativity that define her artistic output. The exhibition showcased large works that immersed viewers in a journey of healing, guiding them from darkness to light through the power of visual art.

In addition to her solo exhibition, Maria has been involved in a myriad of other projects, including wearable art creations, murals, community projects such as Fish Out Of Water (Peggy Wetbeard 2018), set design and painting for musical theatres ( highlights being the 2019 Grease production and 2021 Spamalot production), photography, and book illustration (Charlie Parsons, 2021). Her diverse portfolio reflects her ability to bring imaginative concepts to life across various artistic domains, demonstrating her versatility and creativity.

Maria's artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to exploring the boundless possibilities of creative expression. Her ability to translate her childhood imagination into tangible works of art speaks to the enduring influence of her formative experiences and the depth of her artistic vision. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her dedication to embracing creativity in all its forms ensures that her contributions to the artistic landscape will remain both impactful and inspiring experiences.
Art classes are now available for all ages in her studio space at Lakes Performing Art Centre, so be sure to pop in and check out what's on offer!