Maria Hwang Levy makes her work with ancient materials and techniques – pure beeswax for the molds and bronze for the final piece – because these ancient materials help her keep a balance amid today’s pervasive computers and technology. The encaustic is so durable that it has been found in ancient Greek tombs; yet so delicate that it will melt if left in the sun. It is a perfect metaphor for most things in life.
Her vessels are receptacles for her thoughts, memories and feelings; the root vegetables and fruits that she feeds her family inspire their shapes. The root-like elements are not only structural components, but symbolize the sprouting of what may be contained inside the vessel.
Maria was born in Taiwan and raised in Costa Rica. She came to the United States to study architecture and design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. She currently lives with her husband and two young sons in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
