My name is Maria Elena Vásquez Molina, but you can call me Mile or Milena.
I’m a Calgary-based visual artist working in photography and mixed media to express my emotions, explore connections, and reflect on my inner world. My work is rooted in nature and objects that evoke memories of my family and my roots in Bolivia. Through my art, I navigate themes of melancholy, identity, and belonging as I adapt to a new culture.
Much of my inspiration comes from my late father, a renowned Bolivian botanist whose passion for plants, particularly wildflowers and orchids, continues to shape my work. By focusing on the flora and landscapes of Western Canada, I find a way to reconnect with him and my roots.
Through my bond with nature, I’ve found healing and comfort. This journey has led me to extend my practice into community work, creating spaces for other artists facing similar life challenges.
One of my projects, Blooming Diversity, brings together a group of women from diverse backgrounds who build a deep connection with the land and with one another. Together, we explore nature, create art, and support each other through life’s hardships—including depression, grief, and anxiety.
Nature is a safe and inspiring place to share, heal, and grow.
My art reflects the complexity, exoticism, creativity and uniqueness of my childhood home and the places I lived
Exhibitions and Publications
2024
Calgary Guardian: "A Day in the Life" Interview with Calgary artist Milena Vásquez; Access here
Sparrow Artspace: May Art Residency, Calgary, Alberta
PhotoEd Magazine: Light Issue, Digital and Print Editions; Access here
Shoutout Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta, USA: Article Publication; Access to the article here
2023
PhotoEd Magazine: Winter Digital Edition Photography Publication Access here
Blooming Diversity Art Exhibition, NVRLND, Calgary, Alberta
Merkado Exhibition, SpanicArts, Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Artist Studio Show, Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Orchid Show, Invited artist, Calgary, Alberta
Artwalk Exhibition at Calgary Renovation Show, BMO Centre
2022
Artwalk Exhibition at Calgary Fall and Home, BMO Centre
Latin American Art Exhibition, Casa Mexico, Calgary, Alberta
2021
All Saints' Day Virtual Exhibition, Kiyooka Ohe Art Center, organized by SpanicArts in collaboration with Rocio Graham View here
Now and Then: Tales of Immigration and Resilience, Virtual Exhibition, SpanicArts and Calgary Arts Development, Calgary, Alberta
2021
Souls of the Land Collective Exhibition, +15 Galleries, Arts Commons, Calgary, Alberta View here
Featured in Top Latin Talent Magazine, Bolivia - USA
2020
Bolivian Photographers Around the World Virtual Exhibition
Bolivian Women Photographers Virtual Exhibition, "La Larga Noche de Museos," La Paz, Bolivia
Nominee for Visual Artist of the Year at Gala Talento Latino, Calgary, Alberta
2019
Latin American Visual Artists Exhibition by Expolatino, Calgary, Alberta
Nominee for Emerging Photographer, Exposure Photography Festival, Calgary, Alberta View here
2018
Raíces Latin American Visual Artists Exhibition, Inti Designs Studio & Gallery, Calgary, Alberta
2017
Winner of the Adult Professional Capture Nature Photo Contest by Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, Calgary, Alberta
2016
Lit Up! Collab Collective Exhibition, Gerry Thomas Gallery, Calgary, Alberta
My photographs are love letters to my family and visual poems to the Pachamama.
My guide and mentor, my father Roberto Vásquez
My father Roberto Vásquez Chávez (1941–2015) was a pioneering Bolivian botanist renowned for his extensive research on the country's orchids. Born in Cochabamba, he pursued studies in business administration both locally and in the United States but was largely self-taught in botany. Vásquez's interest in biological sciences was sparked in Santa Cruz, influenced by the eminent Bolivian botanist Martín Cárdenas. Our family's pineapple plantations in Cochabamba's tropical region (El Chapare) offered him firsthand exposure to the diverse epiphytic flora, which would shape his lifelong study of orchids and other plant species.
Over his career, Roberto became the leading authority on Bolivian orchids, documenting over 200 new species and contributing significantly to the understanding of the country's rich yet underexplored orchid flora. His work led to the identification of 1,271 species, with 440 endemic to Bolivia. His contributions were so substantial that 25 species were named in his honour, along with a new genus, Vasqueziella. His collaborations with international specialists facilitated the exchange of scientific knowledge and native Bolivian specimens, resulting in the discovery of numerous new species.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Vásquez was celebrated for his generosity, hospitality, and friendship. In recognition of his contributions, the Bolivian Senate honoured his legacy in a Santa Cruz de la Sierra ceremony. In his later years, Vásquez dedicated himself to dairy farming while continuing his research until his death in August 2015. His influence endures through the countless botanical studies he inspired and the vibrant botanical community he helped nurture in Bolivia.
After my father's death, I began digitizing his botanical drawings and photographs for use in my art practice, particularly through the cyanotype process. I started with the orchid he discovered when I was six, Epidendrum milenae, named after me. The process involves scanning and cleaning the drawings in Photoshop, where I carefully remove dust and blemishes while accentuating the lines. As I trace his pencil strokes with a mouse, I feel connected to him, transported back in time by the confident yet imperfect marks of his 2H pencil. I noticed the mistakes and the blue eraser marks, feeling the movement of his hand as he drew each line with certainty and purpose. Now, it is my turn to bring them to life.
Recently, I traced one of his Passiflora drawings onto translucent paper. As I replicated his pencil strokes, I could almost feel the texture of the Canson paper he used, with its fine grain and delicate smell of the past. The drawing, slightly yellowed and fuzzy, serves as a reminder of the beauty of his discoveries.
As I follow in his footsteps, I realize that my goal is not to become him but to find my own path, with him as my guide and mentor.
My devotion to inspiring and motivating people to explore the vibrancy of this city and Alberta's natural regions is something that I’m truly passionate about.
Going outdoors and exploring the land fosters creativity, belonging, and inner peace. My mission is to motivate and inspire others to embrace nature and cultivate a stronger bond with our roots, the environment, and the community.
We are Blooming Diversity—a vibrant, warm and fun group.
We are proud to be, play and belong in Moh’kinsstis/Calgary on Treaty 7 territory. We connect, grow, heal, and create through nature exploration and art creation. Drawing from our experiences throughout the year engaging with nature and the city's cultural events, we create vibrant and expressive artwork that illustrates our unique journeys.
Let’s walk together
We organize outdoor activities all year round, from strolls in city parks to full-day picnics and hikes in the mountains. Our hikes are planned for various occasions and cater to different interests and physical levels. Whether you're into plein air painting, orchid hunting, exploring moss and mushrooms, enjoying lakes and scenic views, or simply being silly and joyful in nature, we have something for everyone.
The Healing Forests.
My artistic work results from a healing journey in the Forests of Fish Creek Park in Calgary.
Two years ago, I started to walk the park regularly to find peace and mourn the loss of my mother, father, sister, and several other family members within a decade.
I've been lost in the park since then, with camera in hand, crossing fields, unveiling landscapes, navigating liminal spaces, and transitioning passages. The forest has become my playground, studio and sanctuary.
Being in nature feels like being at home; it feels universal, familiar, and comfy. The changing seasons give me stability and keep me in sync with nature's rhythm. The land is wise and loving; even on desolate winter days, a crack in the ice or even the silent snow reminds you that you are not alone and that you belong.
Photography allows me to be quiet and present for a prolonged time, experiencing nature with curiosity and attention. As I move slowly with the camera, a moment freezes, and a thought and a wish create a memory.
In my photographs, veils and portals divide the landscapes, and mystical creatures fight for attention. In those moments, my family reunites, as the landscapes serve as a bridge to the other side; And for one moment, we are together again. These magical impressionist scenes become visual poems for my loved ones and the Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Interview
Meet Milena Vasquez | Artist, Photographer and Graphic designer
April 24, 2024
We had the good fortune of connecting with Milena Vasquez, and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Milena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was inspired by incredible women in my life who took bold steps to start their own businesses. After having my kids and working from home, I saw many friends pursuing their dreams by starting their own ventures. Their courage motivated me to pursue my passion for art and work from home, turning my dreams into reality.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I immigrated to Canada 20 years ago. During those years, I faced many challenges, mostly about integration, bias, equality, separation, adaptation, resilience, and a sense of belonging. After many years of feeling disconnected and isolated, I decided to find my own way through the art community. I started organizing art events for my closet friends and neighbours to finally connect with the rest of the city’s art community.
For over eight years, I have collaborated with other artists and art organizations to create and organize events and art programs for Latin American newcomers and emerging artists. My role is to offer resources to ease this process while promoting emerging talents and fostering inclusivity within the art community. I’m committed to supporting newcomer artists as they integrate into Calgary’s artistic community.
My artistic work is deeply rooted in finding inspiration, creativity, and healing through nature exploration and community engagement. Through my art, I express melancholy and the search for my identity in a new culture. My art pieces are love letters to my family, poems to Pachamama (Mother Earth), and a gift to my heritage, reflecting my connection to my roots and nature’s beauty and healing power.
My photography is about exploring nature and objects that evoke memories of my family in Bolivia, hiking through the Amazon jungle and looking for wild orchids, and growing up in a house full of exotic plants, art and music. My late father, a Bolivian botanist and orchid authority, has profoundly shaped my artistic journey. His passion for conservation and deep connection with the land has inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I find inspiration in his work, learn about plants and their scientific names, and maintain a connection with him even after his passing.
Recently, I’ve faced the loss of my Mother, sister, and uncle. During this period of grief, I’ve found solace and healing through my connection with nature. Inspired by my experience, I extended this practice to create a community group and a project for artists facing similar challenges.
The Blooming Diversity project brings together women from diverse backgrounds in Calgary who share a deep connection with nature. Through exploring the outdoors and participating in artistic events, we uplift each other’s practices and provide support through life’s challenges, including depression, grief, and anxiety. Nature offers a tranquil and safe space to share, heal, and find inspiration together.
Above all, I believe everyone deserves to create beautiful spaces with unique, local art.
