Maker Spotlight
Mikayla Bivona
Meet artist, Mikayla Bivona
Based in Central Oregon, Mikayla Bivona is a multi-media artist whose work brings the region’s majestic landscapes to life. Through photography, paint, and ink, she captures the joy and sanctity of the natural world.
We collaborated with Mikayla on a project near and dear to our hearts. Through her pen work, she tells the story of Miss Minnie Westman, who, as a young woman in the late 1880s, ventured into the wilds of Oregon to deliver mail to rural communities. Experience Minnie’s tale, and its often harrowing encounters, in beautiful illustrations on the wallpaper in the bathrooms just off the hotel lobby.
Mikayla shares with us a bit about her journey as an artist and what she loves most about this beautiful slice of the Pacific Northwest.
Tell us about your background and specialties.
I work with a variety of mediums, with a focus on pen drawings, acrylic paintings, and film photography. My specialty has been pet and wildlife artwork, but I’m also shifting into landscapes as another way to capture the natural world that inspires me.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember—my parents introduced me to it at a very young age, and it has always been one of my greatest passions. The same spark I feel when creating or discussing art is something I also experience in my work as a wildlife biologist, which is why wildlife and natural landscapes inspire so much of what I do.
I also find inspiration in everyday life, especially in the small, often-overlooked moments. Whether it’s a quiet detail in the woods, a fleeting city scene, or the stillness at the top of a mountain, I love noticing beauty in the “in between” places and trying to capture it in my work.
What do you love most about Oregon?
I fell in love with Oregon’s incredible landscapes, but also with its people. I was struck by the openness and kindness I found here. So many people welcomed me with open arms, and I still consider them my “Oregon family.”
What are 2 of your favorite spots in Bend?
For my favorite cup of coffee and the perfect atmosphere to work, I love Junction Roastery. And when I’m looking to get outside, nothing beats a run along the river (especially at golden hour)—it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy Bend.
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