Welcome, and thank you for visiting my site!

My name is Makayla Marchese-Svetnik (she/her), and I am an artist, horticulturist, and environmental advocate living in Queens, NY. I practice art between Queens and my studio space in Gowanus. Originally from Gowanus, Brooklyn, I love to explore the intersections of environmentalism, the human connection to nature, and self-discovery through my photography work, documenting nature and the world around me. Primarily using film photography as my creative medium.

Beyond my artistic pursuits, I am deeply involved in horticulture and hold a certificate in horticulture from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. My passion for plants extends to hands-on care and education, with a focus on native species and sustainable plant practices. I bring this dedication to my role as cofounder of PlantXChange, a collective I have proudly been part of since 2020. At PlantXChange, I contribute through plant propagation, administrative coordination, and facilitating community events, where I share knowledge about plant care and the importance of native plants.

When I am not immersed in creative or green projects, I share my home with my partner Mateo, our beloved cat Casper, and our loyal dog Pablo. Together, we cultivate a life rooted in creativity, community, and a love for the natural world.