Maria Schirmer, who creates and exhibits work under the pseudonym Erasmia Press, is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores collective and individual rituals of wishing. Wishing strengthens our imagination and gets us closer to our desires; it supersedes limitations, whether real or perceived. Though wishing is often a silent, intimate act, it is also an important collective one.
Erasmia Press blends ancient and modern technologies. She combines thoughtful typography with powerful illustrations through letterpress, screen printing, book arts, and community murals. While this takes on many forms, from small hand-held books to large public murals, her work acknowledges the hurt in our world and helps the viewer identify paths towards healing.
Maria has a background as a social worker and community organizer. She currently lives in Alabama where she is pursuing her MFA in Book Arts at the University of Alabama and a Masters in Library Science.