Amelia Mayo

hand-painted journals with recycled handmade paper

"I was born in the small country of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas. But I've always lived ... read more

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Empowering Women The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women. Caring for Children This artist supports children under the age of 18. Enabling Education This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level. Preserving Traditions This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive. Overcoming Cancer

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Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and acti ... about

Amelia Mayo hand-painted journals with recycled handmade paper

"I was born in the small country of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas. But I've always lived in the city. I'm the fourth of five children and the most serious. They tell me I was always frowning.

"At the age of ten, I was given my first sketchbook because I was fascinated by colors and loved to draw. At eleven, I took my first art course in watercolor and began creating my first works of art.

"I eventually majored in advertising art but retired when my son was born. I wanted to be able to be with him, to watch him grow. So I began working freelance as an illustrator and writer.

"Twelve years later, in 2014, I began painting again and fell in love with it all over again. I worked hard to improve my technique.

"Some time later, I felt the need to grow and started crafting my first collection of journals and notebooks. I used banana fiber for the handmade paper and created original paintings on the covers. My themes are those that impassion me — the flora and fauna of Costa Rica, especially birds and flowers.

"My work itself makes a quiet plea for preserving the planet. The banana fiber paper uses the leaves, stems and roots, and is meant to raise a consciousness for taking care of the environment and giving new life to things that are discarded.

"I love it when people appreciate my art. It's wonderful to be able to transmit and cause these sensations in them. For me, painting is like seeing a beautiful sunset when the birds fly home for the night. It's a profound sensation where I am able to find myself."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Costa Rica

"At the age of ten, I was given my first sketchbook because I was fascinated by colors and loved to draw. At eleven, I took my first art course in watercolor and began creating my first works of art.

"I eventually majored in advertising art but retired when my son was born. I wanted to be able to be with him, to watch him grow. So I began working freelance as an illustrator and writer.

"Twelve years later, in 2014, I began painting again and fell in love with it all over again. I worked hard to improve my technique.

"Some time later, I felt the need to grow and started crafting my first collection of journals and notebooks. I used banana fiber for the handmade paper and created original paintings on the covers. My themes are those that impassion me — the flora and fauna of Costa Rica, especially birds and flowers.

"My work itself makes a quiet plea for preserving the planet. The banana fiber paper uses the leaves, stems and roots, and is meant to raise a consciousness for taking care of the environment and giving new life to things that are discarded.

"I love it when people appreciate my art. It's wonderful to be able to transmit and cause these sensations in them. For me, painting is like seeing a beautiful sunset when the birds fly home for the night. It's a profound sensation where I am able to find myself."

Central America Fulfillment Hub

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeOvercoming Cancer

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