#38

Maria Root

438 Diamond Hill Rd

Maria Root, a ceramic and metal artist, hybridizes textures and forms inspired by oceans and forests. My fantastical works look delicate but are very ‘winter hardy.’

“I intend my work to add a touch of magic and happiness to the garden or home they move to. They are meant to be touched, held, and used. Form and weight become part of what makes a piece feel just right. I transform my clay with wonder and joy—and sometimes a bit of sparkle. If holding one of my pieces finds you smiling or wondering, you’ve completed the transformation of my clay.”

With clay keeping her centered for over 50 years, Maria was the first woman director of the ‘Pot Shop’ at UC Riverside in 1976.