MA Li was born in Beijing . Through her childhood she trained in traditional Chinese brushwork and painting, under the guidance of established local masters. In 1990 she was awarded the Diploma in Fine Arts in Beijing . With the support of international sponsors, MA Li has continued her artistic development in several locations.

Between 1994 and 1997 she participated in a program in Sacred Art in Milan , Italy . Subsequently she traveled to the United States , where she received the Masters Degree in Fine Art from the University of Notre Dame in 2000. In addition to the exhibits in China , Italy and the United States , Li Ma's work was featured in the World Christianity Art Exhibition in the National Museum of Austria in 2000.

She currently lives in Toronto , Canada where she continues her work in painting and art design and advances her study of liturgical art. She looks forward to continuing her service to the Chinese church, as religious artist and teacher of Christian art history.