Artists > Maria Latour

“I started creating the ink illustration pieces when I couldn’t get into my garage encaustic studio during the cold winter months.  I began creating doodles by scratching into the inked clay surface of small ampersand boards.  The imagery is inspired by nature, Michigan beach stones and botanical patterns.  I enjoy working with such a small, easily transportable surface that I can work on anywhere in or outside of my studio.  I’m challenged by the task of creating a big impact with a tiny work of art.  It’s also great fun arranging the small squares into larger pieces, almost like piecing a quilt of images together into a larger story.”

Born and raised in Michigan, Maria received a BA in Art History and BFA in Fiber from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In 1995 she journeyed to the southwest to study at Arizona State University, graduating with an MFA in Fiber/Textiles. Travels to Italy, England and Poland have influenced her life and art. Currently she works out of her studio in southeastern Michigan.