Graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon, a semester in Accademia di Brera Milan, Master in Fine Arts at the Chelsea College of Art & Design UAL, London. Maria has been working exclusively at her studio for the past ten years, showing her work in London, Lisbon and Oporto in several group and individual exhibitions. It's in the studio that she finds her identity and works to justify her existence. It's also here that she compulsively reads, writes and paints. Her work draws significant inspiration from literature, aiming to reflect on the duality of woman's life - the contrast between the profession and the domestic role as a family caregiver. She explores the contemporary female experience, celebrating the boldness of womanhood. Saunders has received recognition as a Signature Art Prize Finalist at Old Spitafields Market in London and was the finalist for São ou Não at Galeria São Mamede in Lisbon. More recently, she has been expanding her studio work and working as a Montessori Art Guide at Kairos Montessori School, with children between 6 and 12 years old.