Hola, I’m Maya!
A self-taught artist from Mexico City who has lived in Canada since 2007. My art is all about freedom and joy, capturing vibrant energy with bold strokes and a mix of techniques, such as watercolours, acrylics, and digital art.
My work has been featured in solo and collective exhibitions across Canada, from the Ferri Building Gallery in West Vancouver to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where I showcased my latest collection.
In group shows with SpanicArts, Art Commons at the +15 galleries, the Consulate of Mexico in Calgary, the McDougall Centre Art Exhibit, cSPACE King Edward, Casa Mexico, and the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Center.
My artistic journey extends beyond exhibitions. I'm deeply passionate about community projects, collaborating with neighbourhoods like Crescent Heights and Mount Pleasant to bring outdoor and indoor murals to life, adding a vibrant splash of colour to everyday life and making art accessible to all.
My involvement in the artistic scene goes beyond my personal art.
So, whether painting on canvas or helping others bring their ideas to life, I'm about spreading joy through creativity.
Thanks for stopping by—I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it!
Artist Statement
My work invites introspection and aims to spread positivity and happiness through vibrant, bold compositions. I explore women embodying confidence and resilience, animals radiating joy and innocence, and nature grounding us in its unmissable beauty. Each piece is a reflection of my inner world—an exploration of growth, connection, and the pursuit of dreams.
Guided by a blend of spontaneity and intention, my creative process often begins with abstract shapes and colour. Sometimes, I let the forms guide the subject; other times, I sketch my ideas first, overlaying them with layers of colour and texture to build depth and meaning. This interplay of control and improvisation, influenced by my ADHD, shapes my work into dynamic expressions of curiosity and discovery.
My style merges the freeform exploration of abstract expressionism with the bold, experimental use of colour inspired by modern fauvism. Digital art and evolving technologies also play a key role in my creative practice, allowing me to push the boundaries of traditional mediums. Whether working with watercolours, acrylics, charcoal, inks, or digital tools, I seek to capture the electric energy of high-contrast lighting and the grounded richness of deeply saturated hues.
The bold women in my life, the natural world, and the endless possibilities of human imagination fuel my inspiration. Outside the studio, I am a graphic designer helping creatives bring their visions to life, a community advocate collaborating on meaningful projects, and a mentor empowering others to embrace their creativity.
For me, art is more than a creative practice, it is my wellness practice. It connects me to the world and reminds others of the beauty, strength, and potential that surrounds us.