Maria’s work has always had a strong woman, find-your-voice, feminist cast to it, but it has become clearer in her work and she has found a gentle way to express her feelings – through the chickens, cats and animals on the farm. Maria and I are not political people, but we both have strong ideas about supporting women and the need to encourage men and women to find their voices. This has become a distinct theme in her work, she is not someone to rant on Facebook, she expresses herself quietly and through her art. But the message is strong and clear.

Our hens are, in fact, quite independent, maybe they get the message.This potholder is on sale tomorrow at the first New Bedlam Open House, noon to four pom. Whatever is not sold here will be offered for sale next week on her website.