Maria Hayes has made and shown work nationally since 1986 – solo and group exhibitions, installations and performances. Maria has been Artist in Residence on numerous projects and has successfully completed commissioned work.

Maria has combined this with devising and delivering workshops and training courses as a freelance facilitator. She has worked with all ages and abilities in most settings.

This page presents highlights of Maria’s work. Further information is available on the Curriculum Vitae page

Artists statement

After 25 years professional practice as artist and educator I am currently engaged in a practice based PhD at Aberystwyth University. I am exploring the impact on my work in combining digital technology with traditional observational drawing practices. Could we lose something vital from our culture with the current emphasis on conceptual work and pure digital imaging in art and artists training? Will virtual technologies replace the hand made object? What implications does this have for the way we engage with, understand and express our selves through our bodies in relation to the material world?

In exploring how digital technology impacts on my practice I identify questions that arise for me as a practitioner of both art and education. I aim to demonstrate a way forward that combines the disciplines of digital imaging and observational drawing without losing the essential qualities of either. By mapping the way across this digital, conceptual divide I seek to connect past traditions with present and future image making and to reconcile the reality of the body with the imagination and virtual worlds.

I combine with other creative practices such as music, dance, performance and poetry. This element has defined my work since the beginning and although I specialize in drawing, I continue to seek out the enriching challenge of collaboration.