Meet Miss Space Cowgirl: The Brisbane Artist Making Affordable, Western-Inspired Art
It's Maya's World
By Natalie McGowan | 7th July 2025Colourful, cowboy-esque, and wonderfully chaotic – the work of 22-year-old artist Maya Gibbon (aka Miss Space Cowgirl) of Maya’s Studio is a labour of love. Taking commissions via her Instagram account and keeping things accessible and affordable for everyone, she’s undoubtedly one to keep on your radar.
Hi Maya! Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Maya Gibbon. I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to two military parents and spent most of my childhood growing up in Canberra. When I was 14, I moved to Brisbane and I’ve loved it ever since (though I’ll admit, Melbourne has a certain pull… maybe one day!). I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. I started out drawing superheroes, monsters, and anything else my imagination could dream up. Over the years, that passion has evolved into a colourful, playful style deeply influenced by bold femininity, Western themes, and the joy of storytelling through paint.
Your artwork has such a unique style and vibe. What are your biggest sources of inspiration, and what inspired the cowgirl aesthetic?
Women inspire me – especially strong, bold women who aren’t afraid to be completely themselves. That fearless energy is at the heart of everything I create. The cowgirl theme was born from that same spirit: a blend of strength, freedom, and unapologetic femininity. I’ve always been drawn to the wildness of the West, but I wanted to reimagine it through a modern, playful lens – one that feels vibrant, feminine, and empowered. Add in my love for 70s patterns, music, and a bit of glam, and that’s where my aesthetic really comes to life. It’s cowgirl energy, remixed with colour, confidence, and a whole lot of attitude.
Have any unexpected places or experiences influenced your work?
Over the past seven years, I’ve been on a journey of recovery from an eating disorder – a time marked by challenges, including hospital stays and putting my education on hold. It was an unexpected part of growing up. I couldn’t graduate from high school or fully commit to a degree, but throughout everything, art remained my constant. My pencils, paints, sketchbooks, and canvases became my sanctuary – always there, always waiting. If there’s one thing that has stayed consistent in my life, it was my ability to create and sell art. I haven’t had the chance to travel much as an adult yet, but it’s something I’m incredibly excited about. There’s so much of the world I’m ready to see, and I know it’ll inspire the next chapter of my creative journey.
If you had to give your painting style a fun name, what would it be?
Colourful Cowgirl Chaos.
What’s your creative process like? Where do you start?
My creative process is intuitive. I love starting with a mood board and building from there, especially when clients choose their own colour palettes or work from one of mine. My sketchbook – which I jokingly call my bible – comes with me everywhere. It’s packed with ideas, patterns, sketches, swatches, paint samples, lyrics, and poems. It’s my go-to source of inspiration – the place I return to whenever I need a creative spark.
When you’re in the studio, what are some must-haves that keep you in the zone?
My studio must-haves? Music, snacks, and caffeine – lots of it. I’m especially into 80s tunes, with Nik Kershaw and soft glam rock like Def Leppard on heavy rotation. Sometimes I’ll even match the vibe of the music to the painting I’m working on – it helps set the tone. And of course, no session is complete without snacks (Pringles are a personal fave) and caffeine in all its glorious forms.
I know you’ve done some cool commissions for Brisbane businesses like Chu the Phat – can you share a bit about that work and other local businesses you’ve worked with?
I’d say local businesses actually gave me my big break. Emilie from NES Aesthetics Brisbane purchased one of my artworks through Instagram. When I dropped off the piece and met her in person, we had a quick chat, and not long after, she commissioned me to create artwork for her entire clinic. Word started to spread, and soon friends of hers were reaching out for pieces to decorate their own clinics, like The Haus of Aesthetics. That experience reminded me just how powerful community can be. Before I knew it, I was able to leave my 9–5 hospitality job and dive into painting full-time. Doing a commission for a restaurant as big as Chu the Phat was definitely a pinch-me moment.
What helps you stay creatively energised and motivated?
What really fuels me is being out in the city – visiting galleries, meeting other artists, and connecting with new people. That kind of energy keeps me inspired. I also thrive on staying busy with commissions; there’s something so satisfying about bringing someone’s vision to life. But honestly, nothing compares to the feeling of finishing a piece and seeing it go to someone who truly loves it. That feeling alone is enough motivation.
What role does your home or studio environment play in your creative flow?
I recently moved my studio into Superordinary Brisbane, and it’s been an incredible space to work in every day. Being surrounded by art and creativity really boosts my productivity and workflow. While I love painting at home, it can be tricky to stay focused, especially with my clingy dogs demanding attention!
What’s your favourite type of commission? Any themes or stories you love to tell?
I don’t really have a favourite type of commission – I genuinely enjoy creating every piece I make for someone. My main goal is always to produce artwork that my clients truly love. That’s what matters most. But if it’s a Western theme? I’m extra excited.
