About

Maya Martin is a blossoming artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with deep roots in the serene Alberta prairies. Drawn by the West Coast’s beauty, she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Fueled by nostalgia and being homesick, her work reflects a deep connection to her heritage and the land she grew up on. Martin creates dreamlike and feminine narratives through illustrations, paintings, and ceramics in her practice.

Her mixed heritage—Danish, Hungarian, and Metis—is rich in history from which she draws inspiration, like the tales of her European grandparents, who sought refuge in Canada, and the folkloric traditions that intertwine in her work. Martin’s desire to connect further with her Metis roots had led her to explore traditional Indigenous art forms, such as tufting and beading, which was not passed down to her while growing up.

Martin began showcasing her work in 2019 at the Emily Carr Summer Institute for Teens Exhibition, Rush Hour and continued to exhibit at the 2023 Emily Carr Foundation Show. In 2024, Martin exhibited work in an intimate one-night-only gallery show for her and two other artists participating in a six-week conceptual dinnerware ceramic workshop. Her work is featured in two Annual Aboriginal Gathering Place Exhibitions, FRYBREAD AS FOK in 2024 and BEADSOUP! in 2025. As part of the Aboriginal Gathering Place markets at Emily Carr University, she sells ceramics and prints, exchanging knowledge with Indigenous artists and connecting with the local community. Each piece Martin creates reflects her individuality, spirit, and connection to her cultural roots, making her artistic practice both personal and deeply rooted in the stories and traditions that shape her identity.