Nature has been a continual source of inspiration throughout my career. Born in Costa Rica, I grew up in a country filled with natural wonders, where 25 percent of the land in this small yet richly diverse country is protected for the benefit of future generations. My professional training occurred in surroundings filled with natural beauty that nurtured my sensitivity from a very young age.
After years exploring Costa Rica ‘s forests and National Parks and working with various organizations in projects linked to conservation and sustainable development, I decided to create a work that reflects my love and respect for nature as well as my experience as a Multimedia Producer.
I believe that art and communication, together with ethical and moral values, can become the unmovable pillars on which to construct a new vision of the world and guide a culture that cherishes the preservation of Nature.
“When I take a picture, I am creating an artistic composition, I design an image by selecting the lines that frame it. I search for balance, I detail the contrasts, the hues, the shades, and I play with light until I find the precise image .
My work is constantly looking for new ways and techniques to express my art, to explore new digital techniques, to transmit the way I feel nature. Motivate the viewer with strong and varied sensations that convey my experience when photographing.
I have had training in various techniques and happily I have been able to visit museums in different countries and travel knowing surprising and magical environments, all this prompts me to express photography beyond my own limits.
Mayra Bonilla
PROFILE
Born in San José, Costa Rica, Mayra felt a strong attraction for nature photography since she was a child. She intuitively practiced it while exploring her country’s National Parks during her teen-age years.
In 1984, she received a graduate degree in Graphic Arts from the University of Costa Rica. From then on, she has been expanding her artistic experience, creating, and holding individual and collective exhibitions, both in Costa Rica and abroad. She also leads photography workshops for amateurs and peers.
Mayra is currently working in personal projects, conducting national and international field visits in search of inspiration for her new artistic creations, looking for unprecedented challenges to convey what she is most passionate about: the magic moment.
The following are some highlights of her most outstanding exhibitions in recent years:
2021
She’s invited to display her work at the “Flowers Galore” exhibition in Smart Studio, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
She participates in the XIV Valoarte Exhibition, Av.Escazú, Costa Rica
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she puts a hold on her travels, but Mayra keeps exploring and researching new digital techniques to fit her purposes. It is a year of great challenges.
2019
Looking for new inspirational elements, she travels on photographic field visits, including a trip to Alaska.
2018
She participates in the “Al Natural” Art Flow Collective Exhibition at the Costa Rica Country Club Gallery.
Individual exhibition displaying “Juegos de Luz” (Light Plays), at the University of Costa Rica.
Participates in a collective exhibition at the Star Gallery, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
She displays her work at the prestigious international Valoarte 2018 Exhibition, Ave. Escazú, Costa Rica.
2017
Individual exhibition at the “Art Walk” exhibition, organized by Art Flow, Costa Rica.
2016
Participates in the collective exhibition “Arte Lumínico” (Art of Light) at the National Gallery, Costa Rica, with an installation called “Destellos” (Sparkles).
2015
Participates, together with other renowned artists, in an exhibition at the “Star Gallery” in Northeast Harbor, Maine.
2014
During the summer and fall of this year, she displays her photographs at the “Star Gallery” in Northeast Harbor, Maine, together with other artists.
In September, she participates as guest artist in the prestigious “Valoarte” Exhibition, held in Torre Lexus, Avenida Escazú, Costa Rica.