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Website: www.mariaRschneider.com
Instagram: @mariaRschneider
In the heart of Philadelphia’s creative landscape, NextFab’s makerspace has been the catalyst for countless artistic transformations. Few stories capture this evolution more dramatically than that of Maria R Schneider, whose unexpected journey from corporate professional to innovative artist exemplifies the transformative power of access to technology, community, and creative resources.
Maria’s path to becoming an artist was anything but traditional. With a law degree and a master’s in finance, her early career seemed destined for international trade offices rather than art galleries. “I wasn’t an artist,” Maria explains about her background. When her original career path didn’t resonate, instead of starting from scratch in international public law, she made a bold move to New York and began studying at the Art Student League as an abstract painter.
But the most pivotal moment in Maria’s artistic journey came during a simple walk through Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood. “I found NextFab by walking by and taking a tour when in University City and found lasers,” she recalls. “Because of that, I moved from paint and canvas to lasers.”
This chance encounter with laser technology completely revolutionized Maria’s approach to art. What began as curiosity evolved into a 14-year journey exploring the intersection of traditional art techniques and cutting-edge technology. “It took 5 years to master the skills of what I wanted to do,” Maria shares, “but then I moved most of my practice to using tech like lasers and engraving, and all kinds of things at NextFab.”
As one of NextFab’s earliest members—joining first at the University City incubator, then moving to the Washington Avenue location, and finally settling at North American Street in 2012—Maria has witnessed the makerspace’s own evolution. She notes how the locations developed unique focuses, with “North becoming more artistic focused and South more entrepreneurship focused.”
The technological capabilities at NextFab unlocked entirely new dimensions in Maria’s work. “The tech allowed me to do things I didn’t even know about,” she explains. “I use tech to work on things I wanted to do with artistic expression and interpretation.” Particularly transformative was access to laser cutting and engraving, which enabled her to create precise transparent lines in plexiglass—something impossible with traditional painting techniques.
Beyond the physical tools, Maria emphasizes how the NextFab community has been crucial to her development. “The constant access to knowledge is crucial,” she says. “It’s important that people who surround you are knowledgeable and willing to teach you.”
This collaborative spirit has led Maria to explore ever more ambitious projects, including furniture making. She describes working with another NextFab member—”a true master of his craft”—who is helping her create a complex tête-à-tête chair. She also created tables that combine laser-engraved plexiglass, wood, and metal. “I had to learn how to CAD aluminum and then use the laser to engrave plexiglass and then put it together with wood,” she explains. “It’s possible because of all the tech I have access to.”
The project exemplifies the maker’s journey—challenging, time-consuming, but deeply rewarding. “The member helping me looked at my chair design and said it’s really difficult to make,” Maria recalls. “There are 1000 and 20 steps, and it’s going to take 3 months.” Despite the complexity, she’s documenting the process, appreciating how “the learning process is so amazing.”
What keeps Maria engaged after 14 years is the continual opportunity to learn and experiment. “When I started with laser, I didn’t want to do repetitive projects because I’d get bored,” she explains. “I’m always learning to change, always asking questions.”
Her artistic practice now encompasses a diverse range of techniques—printing on canvas and fabric, working with transparent papers similar to mylar, incorporating LEDs and lighting elements, and even furniture design. This versatility stems directly from the comprehensive resources available at NextFab.
Perhaps most valuable is the spontaneous inspiration that comes from being in a creative community. “Sometimes I’ll pass by and see someone doing something and ask why, and you learn something new that you didn’t think of,” Maria says. “It’s not copying or replicating, but inspiring to think maybe you can do something else.”
The most profound impact NextFab has had on Maria’s work is summed up in her observation: “My dreams stay dreams if I can’t execute.” With access to advanced technology, skilled mentors, and a supportive community, Maria has found the means to turn creative visions into tangible realities.
Recently accepted to exhibit at Box Spring Gallery, Maria continues to push boundaries in her artistic practice—a journey made possible through the tools, technology, and community she found at NextFab.
For artists, makers, and creators looking to transform their own creative vision, NextFab’s makerspaces offer the same opportunity that changed Maria’s artistic trajectory: the chance to discover new tools, techniques, and collaborations that can take your work in unexpected and exciting directions.
Interested in how NextFab can transform your creative practice? Schedule a tour of our Philadelphia makerspaces today and discover our community of makers, state-of-the-art equipment, and educational resources that can help bring your creative vision to life.
In Partnership with FORMATION. Media
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