Meet Milena Vasquez | Artist, Photographer and Graphic designer

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.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On the first day, we will start by strolling around my neighbourhood in Canyon Meadows and venture down to Fish Creek for Forest Bathing; This park is the second largest urban park in North America and my favourite spot for daily hikes. We’ll follow the trails along the creek, exploring the hidden paths to immerse ourselves in nature. What I most love about this park is how it makes you feel you’re away from the city despite being right in the middle of it. I have many favourite trails, but I will take you through the meadows to hike through the tall grasses and get lost in the dense forest patches. After our nature walks, we’ll head to Sunshine Vietnamese Restaurant for some delicious Pho, the best in the neighbourhood. Then, if we’re still hungry (and have room in our stomachs), we’ll go to the Avenida Farmers Market around the corner to treat ourselves to some mouthwatering Peruvian cuisine from “Sabor a Peru.”

We’ll venture into Calgary Downtown the next day to experience city life. We’ll start by visiting the iconic Calgary Tower, taking in the breathtaking views from above. Next, we’ll walk along Stephen Avenue, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling streets, diverse crowds, talented artists, and entertainers. If we have time that day, we will also visit the old neighbourhood of Kensington and Inglewood for window shopping and some excellent local breweries such as Cold Garden, and Dandy’s.

Our cultural exploration continues as we visit the Glenbow Museum, Arts Commons, and Contemporary Calgary to experience the exhibitions and observe the works of the city’s talented artists. It’ll be a day filled with art, culture, and the dynamic energy of downtown Calgary.

On the third day, we’ll journey west towards the Rocky Mountains, following Kananaskis Road to Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. We’ll briefly stop at Kananaskis Village for lunch at Forte Restaurant before continuing to Upper Lake for a scenic hike around Crimson Lake.

Afterward, we’ll head to Canmore, a charming mountain town with boutiques, art galleries, local breweries, and fantastic restaurants. We’ll stroll along the river on the boardwalk, breathing in the crisp mountain air. Our night will be spent at Black Mountain Lodge, where we’ll dip in the pool and soak in the sights. Before relaxing in the hotel jacuzzi, we’ll cap off the day with beers and wings at the Rose and Crown.

The following day, we’ll hike to Grassi Lakes to marvel at the stunning views and have lunch at The Wood Restaurant & Lounge. We’ll wrap up the weekend with a visit to the scenic towns of Banff and Lake Louise. At Lake Louise, we’ll hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, where we’ll enjoy delicious pastries, tea and views of the waterfall and the serene beauty of Lake Agnes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Maya Corona and Kim Kiel

Website: www.milenavasquez.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milena.vasquez.mathewson/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milenavasquez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milenavasquezartista/

Image Credits
Photo 1. Milena exploring Canada Photo 2. Milena with Cyanotype artwork Photo 3. Blooming Diversity Group Exhibition: Elizabeth Amezcua, Ana Angeles, Ariadna Sly, Caroloina Durán, Yuli Carvajal, Chris Olguín, Maya Corona, Milena Vásquez, Mauricio Lozano Photo 4. Blooming Diversity Group Photo, Healing through nature. Photo 5. Milena and the outdoors Photo 6. Milena in her studio Photo 7. Milena with Moraine Lake, Cyanotype artwork Photo 8. Milena with forest photography artwork