Maria Tapal

Maria Tapal is a Pakistani Canadian textile artist and designer whose work explores the intersection of identity and culture using the mediums of natural dyeing and weaving. Coaxing color from natural substances and exploring different weave structures are the primary focus of her practise. Overshot weave is an important part of her work and is used both as a decorative element as well as a symbolic component in her weavings. Alongside her art practise, Tapal also runs a textile accessories business, Z’Marie Studio, which is focused on creating one of a kind, quality hand dyed products employing shibori dyeing techniques and overshot weaving.

Returning to her craft practice after a five-year hiatus, Tapal is determined to continue the exploration of culture and identity with renewed fervor as well as develop new ideas for products for her textiles business. She graduated from OCAD University in 2018 and has been running a successful baking business Z’Marie Kitchen since 2023.

Artist-in-Residence since 2026.