Maria Zaharieva first started painting icons while studying Iconography at the National Art School "Dimitar Dobrovich" Sliven, Bulgaria. In 1993 Maria went on to study at the St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria and graduated in 1998 with a Masters Degree in Iconography and Theology. Ever since she has been creating icons for various commissions, perfecting her craft and techniques, while constantly evolving her visions. Maria is also an active member of the British Association of Iconographers (BAI), her artworks and ideas on the sacred art can be seen in their quarterly issues.
During Maria’s career she has explored many other mediums in art apart from icons and canvases. Her range of skills can be seen in her ability to execute commissions such as “Project Mexico” where she had to come up with unique decorative ceramic plate designs, honouring the Mexican culture, for the interior of a Mexican themed restaurant in Bulgaria. Maria has also worked as a graphic designer in Bulgaria on projects for carpets and tapestries, translating her precision to the digital screen.
