About Maria
"As a sculptor and sustainability advocate, my work has been influenced by my interest in biological forms, coupled with the natural world and science, resulting in an eclectic and unique style."
I’m influenced by contemporary issues and interested in questioning everyday patterns by provoking alternative forms of discourse. Art, through all its various creative expressions, can act as a powerful facilitator for social change.
Many early pieces were driven by a desire to create figurative forms by exploring how they express emotion and relationships. These were a reflection on my early professional life in biology and environmental science. Those student years undertaking animal dissections also lead to a deep interest in human anatomy. This interest in the human form is as much about the body’s mechanical perfection as the stories they evoke of the private inner world intersecting with the outer more public realm.
Communication and facilitation have been key components of my career and now it has entered a new phase of deeper expression through my art practice. The declining health of the environment and its relevance to all aspects of sustaining life has given me sense of urgency.
More recent works utilise discarded materials to create intimate and tranquil sculptural experiences that encourage curiosity and optimism. The pieces aim to provide a subtle environmental message about reuse, combining used materials that would otherwise be discarded with natural fallen branches and/or seedpods. They also attempt to create a connection so that a viewer would want to keep and nurture these pieces. (www.projectreclaim.com.au)
I’ve also become more interested in the intersection of art, creativity and science. While artists and scientists approach their professions in different ways and from different perspectives, they’re both fundamentally in search of understanding. I believe that when working together they open up new ways of seeing, experiencing and interpreting the world around us.
The Creative Catalyst seeks to support individuals and organisations to explore their creativity and discover new approaches to problem solving that ultimately I hope will lead to positive social change. (www.thecreativecatalyst.com.au)
I’m influenced by contemporary issues and interested in questioning everyday patterns by provoking alternative forms of discourse. Art, through all its various creative expressions, can act as a powerful facilitator for social change.
Many early pieces were driven by a desire to create figurative forms by exploring how they express emotion and relationships. These were a reflection on my early professional life in biology and environmental science. Those student years undertaking animal dissections also lead to a deep interest in human anatomy. This interest in the human form is as much about the body’s mechanical perfection as the stories they evoke of the private inner world intersecting with the outer more public realm.
Communication and facilitation have been key components of my career and now it has entered a new phase of deeper expression through my art practice. The declining health of the environment and its relevance to all aspects of sustaining life has given me sense of urgency.
More recent works utilise discarded materials to create intimate and tranquil sculptural experiences that encourage curiosity and optimism. The pieces aim to provide a subtle environmental message about reuse, combining used materials that would otherwise be discarded with natural fallen branches and/or seedpods. They also attempt to create a connection so that a viewer would want to keep and nurture these pieces. (www.projectreclaim.com.au)
I’ve also become more interested in the intersection of art, creativity and science. While artists and scientists approach their professions in different ways and from different perspectives, they’re both fundamentally in search of understanding. I believe that when working together they open up new ways of seeing, experiencing and interpreting the world around us.
The Creative Catalyst seeks to support individuals and organisations to explore their creativity and discover new approaches to problem solving that ultimately I hope will lead to positive social change. (www.thecreativecatalyst.com.au)
Education
2013 Masters in Contemporary Art, Victorian College of the Arts, (one unit) 2010-11 Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts, Victorian College of the Arts Other: 2012 Contemporary Art, (Community Access Program) Victorian College of the Arts Study Tour: VCA Visual Arts Tour,Documenta, Kassel Germany 2008-09 Studio Art, Victorian College of the Arts 2007 Studio Art, Latrobe College of Art and Design Previous Graduate Diploma in Drama in Education, Melbourne College of Advanced Education, Melbourne University Indigenous Studies, Monash University Bachelor of Education in Environmental Studies, Deakin University Awards 2013 Best use of non-traditional materials Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition, Melbourne 2011 Lighthouse Art Award, Winner of Youngblood category, Melbourne |
Solo Exhibition 2014 Project Reclaim & Ponder the Hoodie St Kilda Town Hall Gallery August Project Reclaim, Upper West Side Melbourne, July Group Exhibitions 2018 From Nature, Gasworks Port Melbourne 2017 From Nature, Gasworks Port Melbourne Beautiful Darkness, CERES Brunswick 2016 From Nature, Gasworks Port Melbourne 2015 From Nature, Gasworks Port Melbourne Toyota Community Spirit Gallery,Sculpture14, Port Melbourne 2014 Upper West Side, Melbourne 25Artists@WTC, World Trade Centre, Melbourne Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition, Melbourne Lorne Sculpture Biennale, Sculpturscape GAIA, West Beach Bathers Pavillion, St Kilda The Entry, Brunswick Arts Space 2013 Bah Humbug, D11@Docklands, Melbourne Toyota Community Foundation, Sculpture Exhibition Port Melbourne 25Artists@WTC, World Trade Centre, Melbourne Liveable and Sustainable, Federation Square, Melbourne The Second Collective, D11@Docklands, Melbourne Creative Sustain-Ability, St Kilda Gallery Port Phillip Jindivick Sculpture Exhibition, Melbourne 2012 Contemporary Art, Victorian College of the Arts Toyota Community Spirit Emerging Artist Exhibition, Port Melbourne 2011 Graduate Certificate, Victorian College of the Arts Lighthouse Art Award, Melbourne 2010 Graduate Certificate, Victorian College of the Arts 2009 Studio Art, Victorian College of the Arts 2008 Studio Art, Victorian College of the Arts 2007 Studio Art, Latrobe College of Art and Design |