MaKayla Erickson is a contemporary fine artist whose work explores the intersection of emotion, identity, and environment through a symbolic and evolving visual language. Working across mediums, she creates pieces that invite quiet introspection, often blending organic forms with expressive shape and color to hold both subtle and intense human experiences at once.

Rooted in observation and intuition, Erickson’s practice draws from personal narrative, the natural world, and a sense of the divine and spiritual. Her background as a scenic artist and dancer informs her sensitivity to space, movement, perspective, composition, and atmosphere—an awareness that carries through her pieces, where forms shift, overlap, and breathe. Through layered textures and a nuanced use of color, line, and structure, her work moves between control and release, creating a visual language that feels both grounded and fluid.

Themes of growth, transformation, and vulnerability recur throughout her work, offering moments of stillness alongside emotional depth. Erickson continues to expand her practice through experimentation with materials and process, maintaining a style that is both cohesive and open to change. Her work resonates with viewers seeking a sense of honesty, connection, and presence in contemporary art.

She shares her work and processes on Instagram at @makaylaericksonart, and her portfolio can be viewed at http://www.makaylaerickson.art.

Maria Miles graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. That led to a successful career in marketing, public relations and communications in the healthcare industry. A few years ago, she took creative writing classes at Paradise Valley Community College for fun.

Her passion has always been writing. In her free time, Maria enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, Ben. She’s also an avid reader and her favorite genre is fantasy. Most recently, she began writing poetry and short stories.