Maria’s work is inspired by the landscapes of her native Scotland, the ancient meadows of England, and the gardens, parks, and urban spaces encountered along the way.
She has a particular affinity for birch trees and birds, alongside a sustained interest in the recurring patterns found in the natural world. This curiosity extends to an exploration of her Celtic heritage, which has led her to engage with Islamic pattern traditions. The structural elegance of winter trees and seed heads is a recurring motif and features prominently throughout her practice.
Her work is characterised by the juxtaposition of stylised natural and wildlife imagery against richly patterned grounds. This approach is strongly informed by her background in textiles and is often enhanced with subtle applications of gold