Based in Naarm Melbourne, Maia Robin McDonald works primarily with uku (clay). She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, and a Diploma of Māori Art and Design from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where she studied under master uku artist Wi Taepa. Her work is held in private and public collections in Aotearoa and Australia. McDonald is a respected writer and curator as well as an artist. She has worked as a curator for the Koorie Heritage Trust and is currently Operations Team Leader at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre with curatorial responsibilities.