Maria
Mesquita

Both my textile and collage work reflects my world travels, my appreciation for the natural environment and its organic forms and shapes. I especially enjoy working with natural fibers (wool, cotton, silk, linen and hemp), natural dried material (leaves, flowers, seeds, pods etc.) and handmade paper.

 

I have a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Classic University of Lisbon (Portugal, 1980), and a PhD. degree in Environmental Microbiology from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK, 1988). I was involved in scientific teaching and research for over 35 years in various institutions in Europe, the United States and Canada. I worked as a Research Associate at University of Waterloo (Ontario) from 2006 to 2019. Besides biology I have a keen interest in environmental protection and climate change action.

 

I volunteered with the Waterloo Community Arts Center from 2006 to 2019, where I helped deliver various crafts and artistic activities for children and adults of various ages and abilities. Since retiring and moving to Vancouver in May 2019, I volunteered with the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, and the Suzuki Foundation. Since my return to Waterloo in November 2022, I have been teaching both at the Button Factory Arts Centre and the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Center.