Sweeney Marina

About

Maria Sweeney is a comic artist and author born in the Republic of Moldova, who grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from Moore College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration, earning honors. A specialist in multiple artistic mediums – from digital to oil and watercolor – Sweeney has dedicated herself to creating content that explores the lived experience of living with a rare disability. Her work has been recognized in the American comics industry, winning significant grants and nominations for the quality and social relevance of her message. Maria Sweeney's graphic debut, the 2024 picture book "Brittle Joints," was named a New York Public Library Top 10 title and nominated for an Eisner Award in 2025. The autobiographical work is a collection of vignettes documenting the daily challenges of a person living with Bruck syndrome, a rare progressive condition affecting bone density and joint mobility. Through delicate and colorful illustrations, Sweeney critiques the American healthcare system, lack of accessibility, and structural ableism, while also offering insight into the beauty, friendship, and autonomy found in the life of a disabled person. The work received rave reviews from publishersweekly.com and Booklist for its honest and nuanced approach to the subject. Outside of her artistic career, Maria Sweeney explored alternative therapies and found support in a chosen diverse community, including her partner and pet, a small dog named Bambi. Her work with vignettes and fragmented format reflects how she perceives and processes experiences – allowing her to create coherent narratives from disparate moments. The artist's mission transcends personal autobiography, as she aims to pave the way for other individuals with disabilities, demonstrating through visual media that people with rare conditions can live beautiful, meaningful, and creative lives.