Maria Stewart

Maria Stewart, born in 1968, was raised in the Oodnadatta community of South Australia. Her family heritage encompasses connections to the Central Arrernte and Wangkangurru through her grandfather and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands via her grandmothers. Maria cherishes her early experiences of painting and experimenting with colours during her school years. Her most profound influence and inspiration comes from her big mother, the esteemed senior Yankunytjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra woman and painter Rene Sundown, who resides in the Amuroona homeland near the Indulkana Community. Maria’s artwork beautifully encapsulates the essence and forms of Amuroona & Oodnadatta Country, employing colors that reflect the vibrant rocks & gibber formations of its varied landscapes and ranges.