About

Artist Statement

I look for the potential decorative aspects contained in the the subject I wish to paint.  Ideas come from many sources:  whatever is around me; words; the everyday, etc.   Then it is about the process of creating from an artist's viewpoint, the freedom of interpretation; rather than realism itself.   This involves the elements of shape, pattern and  then creating a certain mood through colour(s).   Hopefully the final artwork will bring some enjoyment to the viewer.

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 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.  She received a Special Merit in March 2020 for her painting "Winter" from Light Space Time online art gallery.

Her work aims to create an element of fun and/or a soothing, celebratory style of decorative art.  She is drawn to pattern and the challenge of simplification or minimalism. She is inspired by what is around her, by words, or just images that pop into her head!  

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