Maria Santos creates mirrors, boxes, photo frames and decorative panels, using a combination of enamels, veneers, semi-precious stones, or glass.
Some of her commissioned work is for large mirrors with decorative pewter surrounds. No two pieces are exactly alike as no casting or pressing is involved. Each piece has been worked individually from her designs.
Pewter and Silver foil are a relatively new innovation, and its malleability enables quite intricate repousse’ and chase techniques to be used.
Modern pewter contains no lead and is made up of 91% Tin, 1,5% Antimony and 7,5% Copper.
Much of the inspiration for her designs comes from the natural world and the flexibility of the pewter enables her to recreate the beauty of nature in every small detail.
Pewter has an enduring quality and since it does not oxidise, it requires no other care than an occasional dust.
Member of the Association of British Pewter Craftsmen