ART STATEMENT
The tools we use for nourishment are more than just objects; they are vessels for the memories and experiences that we share. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the unique cultural traditions and personal histories of those who use them. Within the bounds of pottery, I seek to transform ordinary rituals into extraordinary moments by crafting functional ware designed for everyday use.
My journey is deeply intertwined with a quest for serenity. Creating labor-intensive pottery becomes a form of meditation. The surface reveals tranquil domestic scenes, each imbued with a fusion of past and present memories playing with the boundaries of reality, constructing a realm of enchanting realism.
At the heart of my artistic exploration lies an inquiry into personal history and cultural identity. Navigating the intricacies of my Venezuelan upbringing, now rooted in the United States, I intertwine threads of heritage, infusing my creations with the essence of my journey and the traditions that define me.
These sanctuaries, both real and imagined, play a central role in my work's narrative; in this exploration of memory and nostalgia, I aim to capture the universal longing for security and connection while also celebrating the unique experiences that shape our narratives.
Maria received an MFA from Tyler School of Art and a BFA from the University of South Florida. Born in Kansas, she was raised in Venezuela and currently resides in Philadelphia.
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
2013-2015
Masters of Fine Arts, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
2006-2010
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art-Ceramics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
CERTIFICATION
2020
Enhancing Trauma Awareness, Lakeside Global Institute, Philadelphia, PA
TEACHING & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2025
Teaching Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Teaching Artist, Black Hound Clay South, Philadelphia, PA
2024
Teaching Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Teaching Artist, Black Hound Clay South, Philadelphia, PA
Adjunct, Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA
2015-2024
Community Engagement Teaching Artist, Claymobile, Philadelphia, PA
Working with The Clay Studio outreach program, teaching hand-building techniques to children and adults.
2023-Current
Teaching Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Teaching basic and intermediate wheel-throwing techniques to adults
2020-2022
Exhibition Community Organizer for MPM Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Assisted with the Making Place Matter Exhibition in all things related to the community, teaching short hand-building projects as an opening for community meetings.
2015-2020
Teaching Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Teaching basic wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to adults
2015-2018
Teaching Artist, Philly Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
Introduction to wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to adults
Teaching Artist, Fairmount Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
Introduction to wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to adults.
Ceramic Technician, Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Maintained ceramic department ordering materials, loading kilns, mixed glazes, and did minor kiln repairs like cracks, element changes, etc.
Teaching Artist, Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Introduction to wheel-throwing for kids, decal and surface workshop, and hand-building Summer Camps
2013-2015
Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Instructor of Record: Beginning Ceramics
Introduction to wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to non-majors during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Ceramic Technician Assistant, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
I manage studio maintenance, firing schedules, and loading and firing electric and gas kilns for the department.
EXHIBITION HISTORY
2024
PMA Craft Show, Philadelphia, PA
National Juries Exhibition, Storytellers, MUDFLAT, Somerville, PA
MUDFLAT Cup Show, MUDFLAT Pottery Studio, Somerville, MA
Group Show, Concurrent NCECA Exhibition, Abode, Richmond, VA
Our Community Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Small Favors 2024, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2023
Domestic Spaces, Philadelphia Internation Airport, Philadelphia, PA
SIP: A Ceramic Cup Show 2023, Savannah Clay Community, Savannah, GA
Strictly Functional Pottery National Show, Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster, PA
In-house Artist Sale, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
In-house Artist Holiday Sale, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2022
In-house Artist Sale, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
In-house Artist Holiday Sale, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA