Meet Maria
 

Tucked away in her home studio on Kirrae Whurrung country Victoria, Maria of Beach & Forest creates high end cooking implements and homewares forged from steel and copper. Every item is bespoke and to be treasured for generations - from her carbon steel skillets to copper spatulas and stainless steel bbq tools, each is a piece of functional art.

Born in Canada, Maria’s inspiration is rooted deeply in her family. Raised in her parents' Greek restaurant, she grew up surrounded by the heart of family meals and the art of cooking, which became a central focus of her upbringing. Her father, a talented woodworker, also had a significant impact on her creative journey. She spent countless hours in his shop, assisting him and learning the craft of working with her hands, which sparked her passion for craftsmanship and design.

After years of exploring her passions for travel and nature, Maria found herself drawn to the serene landscapes of Australia’s Great Ocean Road. A serendipitous encounter led her to Ashmore Arts, where she began assisting various craftspeople in their creative processes. It was here that Maria discovered the art of blacksmithing, under the expert guidance of David Graham of Simply Forged.

With a growing commitment to sustainability, Maria’s passion evolved toward forging her own cooking tools—combining her love of cooking & craftsmanship with a desire to create functional, eco-conscious pieces.

Maria’s work reflects her unique blend of cultural heritage, creative vision, and respect for the natural world. The fusion of black stainless steel and copper gives her cooking tools a rustic yet timeless aesthetic, while her contemporary blacksmithing style offers a fresh take on ancient traditions. Through her creations, she hopes to inspire others to value and invest in quality, sustainability, and the beauty of handcrafted artistry.