Hello :)

Maria A. Formisano is an innovative artist, designer, and educator with expertise in fashion design, art therapy for well-being, and textile design. She holds a BA in Fashion Design, an MA in History of Art, and an MA in Textile Design from the University of the Arts London (UAL).

With a diverse background in creative practice and education, Maria combines artistic intuition with technical precision. Her work explores the connections between movement, balance, colour theory, perception psychology, and the human experience, drawing inspiration from theorists and artists such as Goethe, Delaunay, Newton, Kandinsky, etc..

As a textile designer, she focuses on material innovation and sustainable practices. Her design philosophy unites art, science, and wellness, emphasising eco-consciousness. She selects biodegradable materials, merging structural clarity with environmental responsibility.

Maria is also the creator of the Formisano Origami Jewellery Collection -a handcrafted line of mini origami sculptures made from premium papers sourced globally. Each piece is finished with waterproof resin and sterling silver, blending geometric elegance with playful minimalism and grounded in the concept of transformation.

Inspired by the idea that in nature, nothing is created or destroyed, only transformed, Maria views origami as a metamorphic art form. As Michael LaFosse explains: "You’ve got that piece of paper, you don’t add to it, you don’t take away from it - you change it." This concept shapes her creative process, functioning both as meditation and a foundation for her textile research. For Maria, origami is mindfulness in action - a way to stay present and explore transformation through simplicity.

Her holistic approach highlights the role of art in promoting well-being. She leads creative sessions for adults and children, with a focus on those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Using mindfulness-based art therapy, including tactile methods like origami, she helps participants explore materials, stimulate the senses, and regulate emotions in a nurturing environment.

Believing that creativity nurtures confidence, emotional balance, and growth, Maria is committed to empowering individuals through her practice. Whether through sustainable textiles, origami jewellery, or mindful art therapy, she seeks to inspire self-expression and a deeper connection to well-being.