I am a real, human artist, living and working in Colorado. Sculpture was quite possibly my first love. I credit my mother, who had us kids making things as soon as we could use our hands. My childhood masterclass was piñata making.

Throughout my life when I have had tasks to do or problems to solve, I’ve employed a DIY attitude and incorporated a creative flair whenever possible. This is how I ended up with a folk-art painted door, and flowers and butterflies painted on the walls inside my home. I also included art made by my children. It’s been a happy mix for me.

I started my family at a young age, then went to school when kiddos were older. I learned that in the college/university world, older students like me were dibbed “non-traditional.” I’d say that sums up much of my life, from having a stay-at-home dad, to opting for a GED and leaving high school early, to growing and preserving much of our produce and creating learning experiences in the form of “adventures” with my kids. Then, when I was in college, we had homework sessions together. It’s been an amazing life, and I feel like I am still just beginning!

In art school at Metropolitan State University of Denver, I began thinking about what my Bachelor of Fine Art thesis would be, finally settling on fringe groups and ways to eliminate stigma. The resulting body of work titled “Parallels,” and my experiences learning both as I researched and created, provided fodder with which I am still feeding my artwork to date. Therefore, you may notice themes of kindness and inclusion, the ways that we teach respect, and family groups, in my work.

Through art, I am exploring all the angles of living what I believe. I am but one voice among millions, yet I believe in the value of one. I am Maya Peterson.

Labels include: American Artist, She/Her, Colorado-Based, Mixed-Race, Mother, Friend