Artist Statement
I very often sketch my thoughts, and most of these sketches remain in my sketchbook as fleeting ideas that never materialize. On occasion, I develop them into more in-depth concepts with detailed images. I share my understanding of the connections between us. The complexity of intertwined relationships, keeping us closely entangled yet so far apart, is a topic that never gets old for me.
While I use a variety of materials and processes, my methodology, engagement, and attitude remain consistent. Similar shapes often appear in my artworks, where I try to convey that shape is a recurring idea rather than simply a form. The use of aluminum offers an opportunity to create a different feel depending on the light and the viewing angle. Something new and unexpected is always found. The use of stained glass adds another dimension; the mix of textures, materials, and treatments aims to provide layers of depth and a further sense of complexity.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, and my artwork is my safe place—it always has been. It’s an extension of myself, the best version of me, it’s all of me. It’s as personal as a love story and goes beyond a simple message. It is my vulnerable self, open to anyone who can find a piece of themselves in it.
Profile
After completing her education in Sofia, Bulgaria, Maria moved to Montreal in 1990. She dedicated 15 years to working as an animation artist on numerous productions and commercials. During her tenure at Cinar, her team received a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series in 1998 for the acclaimed series "Arthur."
In an era dominated by self-promotion and media saturation, Maria stands out as an authentic artist dedicated to profound audience connection through her work. Renowned for her distinctive abstract style, she employs a diverse range of media, including aluminum, stained glass, and traditional materials. Her art encapsulates the fragility of emotions and the delicate interplay of light, texture, and form.
CV
Born in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Resides and works in Montreal, Canada
Education
1978 - 1983 High School of Fine Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria
1984 - 1990 Academy of Fine Arts, Master’s Degree, Sofia, Bulgaria
Selected Exhibitions
Current Exhibits
Small Works Exhibit - Viva Vida Gallery & Art Center, Montreal, QC
November 8, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Labyrinth Gallery, Plovdiv Bulgaria
November 29, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Solo Exhibit
Gallery 203, Montreal, Qc
Shenkmans Art Center, Ottawa, On
Nedev Gallery, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Hôtel Chez Swann, Montreal, Qc
Nelligan Hotel, Montreal, Qc
Group Exhibit
Kaleid Gallery, San Jose, CA
Montreal Art Center, Montreal, QC
Stewart Hall, Pointe Claire, Qc
Fall Salon Exhibit, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Stephen Angers Gallery, Montreal, Qc
2456 Gallery, Montreal, Qc
Mile End Gallery, Montreal, Qc
L’Imagier, Montreal, Qc
Agora Gallery, New York, NY
Observatoire 4, Montreal, Qc
19th International Graphic Biennial, Ljubljana, Slovenia
11th British International Prints Biennial, Bradford, England
4th Biennial Exhibition of Prints, Wakayama, Japan
21st Biennial of Sao Paolo, Brazil