Maria is an HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist and painter with a background in fine art and illustration. After graduating with an Honours degree from Aberystwyth University in 2014, she worked as an art teacher and artist-in-residence across international schools in Vietnam and Malaysia. Upon returning to the UK, Maria pursued and developed her interest in the psychological benefits of creativity and its role in mental wellbeing. She completed a master's degree in Art Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales and is an experienced advocate for the therapeutic application of the arts within mental health services. Maria currently works as a Mental Health Advisor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the national conservatoire of Wales. 

 

In her formative years, Maria was primarily focused on figurative art and portraiture, however, over time, her practice has shifted towards a more conceptual approach, emphasising emotional expression and narrative over realism. Working across traditional and digital mediums, Maria’s current art practice explores themes of connection, loss, isolation, and grief, through limited colour palettes and striking compositions.

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With an interest in the expressive capabilities of the creative arts, Maria often works cross-modally, drawing inspiration from music and collaborating with local musicians. Maria's most recent collaborative projects can be viewed here.​​​​