Meet Maya Violet
Visual Artist & Illustrator
I am an artist of Persian heritage whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world and subtly influenced by the traditional Persian miniature painting style. Known for its bold colors, intricate floral and animal motifs, and distinctive flat perspective, this art form resonates throughout my practice, reflecting both my reverence for nature and a subconscious connection to my cultural roots.
​
Fairy tales and mythical beings, both from Persian folklore and from stories shared across cultures, play a central role in shaping my artistic voice. These timeless narratives guide the storytelling elements in my work, reflecting a multicultural perspective shaped by my experiences living and studying art in East Asia and Australia before immigrating to the United States.
​
For me, art is a universal language—much like storytelling itself—with the power to transcend cultural boundaries and foster connection. Through my practice, I seek to highlight this sense of interconnection and diversity, portraying a wide range of characters and celebrating the beauty of our shared humanity.
​
Through this lens, my work explores themes of connection, imagination, and belonging. By weaving together fantastical narratives with the natural world, I invite viewers into a visual language that bridges cultures and fosters wonder, unity, and recognition across divides.
​
Forms of My Visual Storytelling
I am a visual storyteller who brings whimsical and fantasy themes to life through various artistic mediums. My primary medium is illustration, where I use watercolor, colored pencils, and crayons on high-quality watercolor paper. These original pieces are professionally digitized and reproduced as fine art giclée prints. My work is deeply inspired by nature, shaping the worlds my fantasy creatures inhabit—whether it’s mermaids dwelling in the ocean or fairies hidden deep in the forest. I also enjoy juxtaposing creatures in unexpected environments, blending elements of land and sea to create an interconnected, mystical realm.
​
In addition to traditional illustration, I manipulate my artwork digitally using Adobe Photoshop to create new compositions for postcards and greeting cards. I also use Adobe Illustrator to design digital illustrations that are printed on various functional goods, such as enamel camp mugs, ceramic coasters, glassware, and stationery. My designs are also printed on fabric items like tea towels, tote bags, and pencil cases, making my art accessible in different forms. I work with Printify to produce these practical, art-infused items.
​
Beyond illustration, I create one-of-a-kind sculptures using polymer and air-dry clay, incorporating natural materials to tell visual stories through miniature walnut shell dioramas. These handcrafted pieces feature fairies, gnomes, mermaids, and other magical beings in harmony with nature. They serve as collectible, giftable decorative pieces or seasonal ornaments, often used to embellish plants and spaces. I source materials such as walnuts, dried moss, flowers, ferns, tiny metal hinges, clay, and twine from Etsy, while paints, brushes, and additional art supplies come from Blick Art Materials.
​
I also design and handcraft jewelry, including earrings and pendants made from polymer clay, sealed with resin for durability. These wearable pieces often incorporate real gemstones and shells, and I use sterling silver and wire purchased from Amazon to assemble them. My clay work extends to creating unique pins, magnets, and ornaments, all featuring celestial and fantasy motifs like gnomes, mushrooms, mermaids, moons, and stars.
​
Because my art is deeply connected to the natural world, I prioritize using natural and recyclable materials in both my creations and packaging. I believe my work serves as a source of emotional and spiritual nourishment—whether displayed as a miniature diorama on a desk, a fine art print on a wall, or a functional object like a camping mug. Through my art, I hope to remind people of nature’s nurturing spirit, the magic in the world, and the wonder we felt as children. I aim to awaken that inner child within us, inspiring us to connect with our true nature and the beauty that surrounds us.