Maya has been working as a commissioned portrait artist for over 20 years; she has also done illustration, graphic design, architectural renderings, professional photography, and murals. Maya has shown her work in over 30 galleries, restaurants, and shops throughout the world. Her Kardashian painting has become the most viewed painting of our times.
Do you have a website?
www.mayagallery.com
Top 3 achievements:
- Raising over 100k towards various Charities thus far simply from my art, and being honored for my charitable works this year by the Queen of Hearts foundation.• Painting a portrait of Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom that has become the most seen painting of our times. This painting has been seen throughout the world on E News, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kim & Kris Wedding Special, The Khloe and Lamar Show and TMZ, and in print in the National Enquirer, and countless Online News sites bringing it’s worldwide viewership into the hundreds of millions.
- Maintaining a strong sense of integrity in all business matters regarding my art career and any fame associated with it by never bowing down to pressure to accept TV talk shows, interviews, reality shows, book deals, documentary deals, until the right projects come along. It can be hard to hold strongly to your beliefs, but not giving in to the wrong kind of fame has given me a great deal of strength.
Education:
Studied art at Academy of Art College, Art Institute of Southern California, and the Studio of the Maestro Bruno D’ Arcevia
Family:
I am still single at age 41 and continue the search for the love of my life, however I have 4 amazing nieces and nephews who I love dearly!!!
Modeling/spokesperson experience:
I have been modeling for years, representing many bikini lines and most recently Barraco Brasil Swimwear. I have also modeled for a mountain bike line, sunglasses and eyewear, lingerie, etc, etc. I have also hosted a major UFC event, produced a burlesque show for 4 years which performed for over 50k people and opened for black eyed peas, produced a dinner theatre and much, much more!
Philanthropy/Fundraising:
I have been affiliated with many huge organizations including American Cancer Society, Big Brothers and Sisters of America, St. Baldricks Foundation, and the Queen of Hearts Foundation, and smaller organizations such at Max’s Love project, D.A.A.C. and Kisses for Keegan and many more.
Favorite platforms/charitable organizations:
I am most interested in organizations which feature children, as I believe that they are the most vulnerable members of our society.
Do you have any interest in politics?
I would never rule anything out! I do however plan to take a public stand against obesity sometime in the future, either by creating my own organization, or affiliating with an existing organization. Obesity is the worst killer of our humanity, with one third o our population vein obese! Its the easiest disease to fight, and I plan to create a War on Obesity”.
What’s your dream job?
I have it!!! I am blessed! I only hope to pursue greater commissions and be able to help more children and people in the future through my philanthropic efforts.
Who is your favorite role model?
I have been very impressed with Angelina Jolie’s ability to stay beautiful and maintain her acting career while raising six children and most importantly keeping her focus on her philanthropic efforts!
Ten years from now where do you see yourself?
Hopefully married with children and continuing to raise money for children’s causes, and of course painting great portraits!! By then I will also have a book and perhaps a documentary made about my unbelievable and incredible life story.
How do you maintain work and life balance?
I am blessed in that I am a relatively fast painter; therefore I have a lot of free time to pursue other things! My life is balanced towards fun and social activities which are a perfect way to meet new clients and direct my philanthropic efforts; really it all blends together for me.
Fun stuff:
Favorite Book (s): 48 laws of power
Favorite Musician (s): Bob Marley
Favorite Movie (s): Twilight series (especially the love shown between Edward and Bella)
Favorite Actor (s): Marilyn Monroe
Favorite Sport (s): I play soccer and was kind of a soccer star in elementary school, also skiing and jet skiing
Favorite Athlete (s): Any Olympic athlete gets my vote, for the determination, strength, and passion
Favorite TV Show (s): I love reality television; it’s wonderful to get a glimpse of true emotions (even if they are a bit scripted)
Favorite Place (s): Kauai where I was born. And the Lands End in Cabo San Lucas, I could sit on lover’s beach for a million years.
Favorite Website (s): Facebook!!!
Favorite Restaurant (s): Anything Sushi! Katsuya in LA
Do you have any pets?
I had a long haired chihuahua named Kappi who was the love of my life!!!