Collection: Maria Lloyd

Maria Lloyd has since she can remember, been a keen maker and creator of "things". She studied art at the Tshwane (Pretoria) University of Technology and transferred to the University of Johannesburg for the third year of her studies, majoring in graphic design (1986-88). She has had a long and successful career as a graphic designer whilst at the same time continuing with her art [practice.

In 1998, she and her husband Jay Lloyd established a foundry manufacturing decorative bathroom fittings. It was then that she moved from painting canvas and fabric to making sculptures. She has exhibited her work at various shows and exhibitions in South Africa.

In 2010, Marcia and her family immigrated to New Zealand. There is an unmistakable African influence to her work. She says "You cannot escape your roots". Maria is following in the footsteps of her ancestors by creating objects that can create a connection between our origins, ancestors and the land. There is a lot of skill involved in creating her artworks. She says she enjoys the foundry that she and Jay have established on Waiheke Island.

She reminisces about working in her late grandfather's workshop. Her work encompasses a broad spectrum of skills from woodworking, carving, inlay work, mould making, fettling and the patina work. She finds the assembly of the sculpture the most exciting.

Her work is mostly narrative. She is fascinated by how cultures evolved and influenced each other through the language of art. Her work often centres around immortality. The poems she writes exalt life but also serve as warnings. They give gratitude and ask for grace, common sense and courage. Inevitably her work is an emotionally charged affair, a journey of surprise. She explains that " Only be being moved can you move someone".