Artist profile
Maria
Watson Trudgett
Maria is Koori woman of Wiradyuri people and freshwater Country. She is a self-taught artist and has been painting and exhibiting for more than two decades. Maria creates artworks that connect her to her Aboriginal Culture, family and Country.
She started painting to relax from the stress of full-time University studies in 2009. After a lot of expressed interest in her artwork and strong encouragement from an Aboriginal Elder, who advised that she has a responsibility to share her stories and keep her culture alive; Maria started painting for several art exhibitions and competitions.
Her first entry won the main award, and her artwork sold. Since then, she has won several awards and shown nationally in different galleries and exhibitions, including Parliament House. Maria has created many commissioned artworks for corporate organisations and private collectors, both national and international.
Maria’s painting style is a contemporary fusion of abstract art and cultural motifs, using flowing lines and groups of Aboriginal symbols, which echo the way her old people communicated with her, while drawing symbols and impressions into the ground. This is how Maria narrates a story on canvas and preserves her cultural traditions. Via her creations, Maria shares elements of her culture and Country.
Career Highlights
- Sharing the stories of her culture on the strong encouragement of an Aboriginal Elder
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I paint in acrylics. I sometimes do lots of layering in my artwork, for this reason, I need paint to dry quickly before the next layer is added.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
That depends on a number of complex considerations. If the artwork is for a client, then there is a consultation process to seek a client's vision and meet their expectations. If I am painting for me or just to sell a piece, then I will tap into my connection to my Aboriginal culture and Country to paint an artwork and story that shares elements of my culture.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I mostly paint extra-large artworks. I have joinable 2-metre-long trolly tables that join together to create a large workable area. I often get paint all over me in the creation process, and I'm comfortable with this. However, before creating another artwork, I need to completely clear and clean up my studio and workspace, as I need clarity when creating each new artwork.
