LUNA LADIES
ONE OF A KIND TEXTILE CREATIONS
Maria Mustad is the artist behind Luna Ladies, a collection of unique textile figures, shadow boxes, and paintings. Based in Arizona, she began creating these distinctive pieces in 2008 after relocating to the state. Her inspiration stemmed from a personal collection of fabrics, textiles, and beads gathered during her travels. Rather than letting these materials remain unused, she transformed them into what she affectionately calls “Luna Ladies”—ethnic creations characterized by their individuality and charm.
Each Luna Lady is crafted using natural materials, starting with a gourd head. The bodies are adorned with fabrics sourced from various countries, and the stands are often repurposed items like wooden candleholders or branding irons. Maria’s dedication to sustainability is evident in her use of recycled and repurposed materials, which she often finds at estate sales and antique stores.
In addition to her textile figures, Maria expanded her artistic repertoire to include shadow boxes and paintings. She began painting in 2019, during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to express themes of human strength, unity, and joy. Her paintings often feature motifs like the sun and moon, symbolizing hope and resilience.
For those interested in commissioning a custom Luna Lady, shadow box, or painting, Maria welcomes inquiries through her website’s contact page.
If you’re seeking distinctive, handcrafted art pieces that blend cultural richness with sustainable practices, Maria Mustad’s Luna Ladies offer a captivating choice.
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What People Are Saying
We have been working with Maria for over seven years. She has made many custom pieces for us and we have collaborated on designs and colors. We have found that she always has provided more quality, creativity than asked for and expected, and her attention to detail is incredible.
One of the fun parts of her creations is the ability to add something personal to the piece – a memorable piece of fabric, colors to work in a room or a personal momento to make her creations very special.
As part of her work Maria uses many recycled and repurposed materials. I have made many stands for her work as part of my hobby, also using as many recycled materials as possible and adapting discarded items for her use, to make many unique pieces. Her art, designs and style continue to evolve, so there is always something new to see."
- Dick & Kathy Randal