Maria Paul’s Biography

My one-of-a-kind pieces are born using the elements of color, texture, shapes, glass seedbeads, freshwater pearls, gemstones and other unique pieces. The work is as much about each element as it is about how those elements relate to one another and to each other. Pieces are completely done by hand with attention to detail as well as overall esthetic and wearability. In the last few years I’ve been playing with the basic shapes: circles, squares and triangles. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and what can be more elementary than our childhood love of such elements. You’ll see this embodied in my color-graduated triangle necklace and cuff collection. Looking into my studio, one might think, “what a crazy mess,” but this palette of beads, gemstones, pearls and shapes laying next to each other often inspires me to see new possibilities. Bathed in the warmth and sunlight from the window those hidden nuances of each component’s qualities are revealed. As I work with these tiny seed beads I look and listen to where and what they want to become. They want to be part of something more beautiful than just a single element.