Hi! My name is Maya! I am an illustrator and teacher based in Ottawa, Canada. My passion for illustration and design has allowed my work to be featured in publications, campaigns, and exhibitions across Canada. You can also find my art adorning several public murals throughout the vibrant city of Ottawa and and scenic Gatineau Hills, Quebec.

Originally from the Maritimes, I made the move to Ottawa to pursue studies in Music and Sonic Design at Carleton University. During my final year, I found myself incorporating visual elements into my musical compositions, igniting my interest in the world of visual art. This led me to embark on a visual art journey at the Ottawa School of Art, where I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Robert Hyndman Painting & Drawing Scholarship. Within two years, I proudly secured my first Artist Residency, which took place in the city of Toronto.

In 2010, I successfully completed my graduate studies in Professional Illustration. The following year, I was honoured to be selected to participate in the Artist Studio Program offered by the City of Ottawa. There I was awarded a space to develop and share my art practice at Stafford Studios, Ottawa.

My art is profoundly inspired by stories that emphasize the preservation of well-being for ourselves, others, and the environment. I find great joy in creating nature-based settings that strike a delicate balance between reality and imagination, inviting viewers into a whimsical and thought-provoking world.

Presently, I am fortunate to work as an arts educator, illustrator, occasional graphic designer and mural artist! I take great pleasure in sharing my knowledge and passion by teaching and planning visual and creative art courses for the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa School of Art. It is a rewarding experience to contribute to the growth of the artistic community and inspire others through creative endeavours.

Artist CV

SELECTED SOLO & DUO EXHIBITIONS/SHOWS:
2024: Artist feature, Linda Street Art Gallery – Dovercourt, Ottawa, Ont. Invitational.

2019: Imagined Places, Trinity Art Gallery – Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ont., Juried.

2018: Imagined Places (Part I), Reading Room gallery – Art House Cafe, Ottawa. Ont.

2016: Evoking worlds, Trinity Art Gallery – Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ont., Juried.

2014: Illustrated – duo exhibition: Maya Hum & Clare Brebner, Lorraine Fritzi Yale Gallery (GCTC), Ottawa, Ont. Curated by Malika Welsh. Invitational.

2014: Artist Showcase: Maya Hum, Minto Suites Hotel partnered with Ottawa School of Art, Ottawa, Ont.

2013: Lines & Stories, Trinity Art Gallery – Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ont., Juried.

2011: Lines in Progress, City of Ottawa Artist Studio Program: Nepean Creative Arts Centre Stafford Studio Gallery, Ottawa, Ont.

2010: Soundscape, Blink Gallery, Ottawa, Ont., Juried

2009: LISTEN, Artbarn, Toronto, Ont., Invitational.

MEDIA PROJECTS / INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATIONS:
2014: Ottawa School of Art 135th Anniversary Event, Live painting/interactive art installation, Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC), Ottawa, Ont., Invitational.

2014-2012: Nuit Blanche Ottawa: Pop up gallery (2012), Luminaries (2013), & Opening doors window installation (2014), Ottawa, Ont., Juried.

2013: Arboretum Festival, Media short program artist (watercolour animation screened), Waller Park/Arts Court, Ottawa, Ont., Juried

2007: An Evening of New Music, Installation Art, Telematics, and Video, Featured video/music artist, Alumni Theatre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.

PUBLIC WORKS:
2021: Racism is a Pandemic Too, Bell Box public mural, Hintonburg Community Association. Gladstone and Fairmont

2019: Koi fish, Public Mural, Ottawa Ont., Chinatown BIA. Somerset St. W. and Bronson Ave.

2019: A Bee’s tree house, Public Mural, Wakefield, Que. Apiverte. Juniper Farm

2017: Illumnaata – Lowertown Community House, Public Mural, Ottawa, Ont. Canada 150 celebration/Lowertown Community/OSA/OCH. 157 Beausoleil Drive

2015: Bird looking over sunset with Flowers – Chinatown BIA/Yang Sheng Restaurant, Public Mural, Mural, Ottawa, Ont. Chinatown BIA. Somerset St. West and Bronson Ave.

2014: Cabinet of Fruits and Lotus Flowers – Manphong Supermarket, Public Mural, Ottawa, Ont. Chinatown BIA/Ottawa School of Art. 775 Somerset St. West

2014: The elephant panels – Phuket Royal Restaurant, Public Mural, Ottawa, Ont. Chinatown BIA. 713 Somerset St. West

PUBLISHED WORK (Illustration design):
2022: Lowertown, Children’s book illustration, Client/Author: Janet Prak, 2022
2014: Tree Ottawa Guide, Client: Ecology Ottawa, 2014
2011: Les mots à la bouche (Board game), Client: Groupe Nestor, 2011
2011: Brin de Jasette Édition spéciale (Card game), Client: Groupe Nestor, 2011
2010: IMAKOO (Card & Ipad game), Client: Groupe Nestor, 2010

EDUCATION:
Professional Illustration Graduate Certificate, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ottawa, Ont., 2010
Fine Arts Portfolio Certificate, Ottawa School of Art, Ottawa, Ont., 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Highest Honours: Music, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont., 2007
Diploma in Sonic Design (New Media Program), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont., 2007

ARTIST STUDY/RESIDENCIES:
Artist’s Residency Project, ArtPontiac, Pontiac, QC., 2018
City of Ottawa Artist Studio Program, Ottawa, Ont., 2012
Toronto School of Art Independent Artist Residency, Toronto, Ont., 2009