My family is a maker of things, so creating art as a young child felt very natural. From the time I saw a babysitter's sketchbook and was inspired to draw, to my degree in graphic design and visual arts from Kwantlen College University, artwork has marked the peaks and valleys of my life.

After graduation, I worked for a publication company before establishing, then selling after 15 years, my own design company. It was with joy, and some angst, that I began the journey of a full-time fine artist.

In 2007 my husband and I moved from the Lower Mainland of BC to the West Kootenays to establish Windborne B&B, which houses the Mirja Vahala Art Studio. The visuals of the wild and rugged Kootenays are a definite influence on how my artwork is evolving - as is the open friendliness of the local residents.

There are several artists who have been integral in helping me to improve my methods. I've taken art courses from well-known Canadian artists via the Federation of Canadian Artists and other venues. For years, my mentor has been Bonny Roberts. Other influences include Mike Svob, class participants and my fellow members of the FCA.