To my fellow art friends,

I grew up in Shirakawa City in Fukushima, Japan. My hometown has beautiful nature and rice fields during harvest. My grandfather was a woodblock print artist. While my parents were working in their restaurant, I was spending time with my grandfather in his art studio when I was a little. I remember the iron stairs to the basement art studio were cold to my bare feet and the smell of mold and ink.

My grandfather always said my mom, "Don't say no to her, Her artistry is great." when I painted pictures on the walls in our home. So I had to believe my artwork was fabulous.

I graduated with a degree in Oil Painting from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan, to honor my grandfather's wishes. I next studied Graphic Design from Kuwasawa School of Design. Upon graduation, I worked as a display designer at a large department store in Tokyo. At this time, I took the first trip to Hawaii with my grandmother. Then I became very interested in Hawaiian culture. I experienced a homestay at a Hula teacher's house in Maui.

After moving to the united states, I got into the action as an illustrator and artist in California. My illustrations appeared in magazines. And I showed my arts at the gallery exhibits.

I became interested in Organic food and Sustainability when my son was born. Organic food is safe for a growing child and for a farmworker too. Caring for the earth is important to our children's future. Also, I remember my grandfather telling me that prints are less expensive than other artwork and easily become a part of people's life. Now I enjoy putting my art on various Eco-friendly gifts that people might enjoy.

This job is the greatest in my life! I can use all of my experience with the artwork.
I work in the morning while my son is at school. I work at my small art studio next to the kitchen, listening to Hawaiian music, sometimes boiling red beans. My cat ( Sally ) and dog (Molly) are sleeping nearby. I love this time. After my son comes home, we share my working table. He does his homework, and I do my artwork. I am lucky to spend time with my son at home during working.
My art is a reflection of my history, humor, and love. I hope to pass along them to my son, as my grandfather did for me.

I am working to make my family happy here. My artwork creates an atmosphere of industry and happiness at home. Imagining that my art will give enjoyment to somebody somewhere in the world gives me a feeling of excitement!

I hope my tropical and humorous arts are brightening the world and become a part of your life.

From my small art studio next to the kitchen,
Mina

<Mina Wilcox's Art>
The images captured in her art are from the imaginary "Poe Poe island" of the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesian culture. Hawaiian Hula dance evokes events of nature. Such as the swaying of a tree in the breeze and the movement of a wave in the ocean, as well as the feeling of human emotion such as fondness or yearning. She wished to draw them and add humor. As a result, she created Poe Poe Island. It is the inspiration and foundation of her art. Her art is taking the form of a travel journal about the scenic beauty of Poe Poe island and the Poe Poe's relaxed lifestyle. Welcome to Art Mina deeply tropical and humorous world!
http://artmina.com