Art by Mi Ae Lipe

I’ve been drawing since I was three years old, specializing in pen-and-ink linear work that features a fantasy universe of animals, plants, and other elements of the natural world. My trademarks include a circular format and the humorous presence of numerous “critters” such as frogs, mice, hedgehogs, and snails, who often cavort throughout her scenes.

At the age of seven, I had her first public one-person exhibit at the Ames Research Center at NASA’s Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. In 1983 and 1987, The Magical World Coloring Book I and II, respectively, were published by Price-Stern-Sloan Publishers of Los Angeles. I’ve exhibited in California, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington, and my drawings have made their way to Australia, Great Britain, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and throughout the United States.

I’ve illustrated commercially for the US Department of the Interior, US Environmental Protection Agency, Featherstone Fruits & Vegetables, and Big River Magazine. I’ve also exhibited and marketed my noncommercial work as framed art, prints, and greeting cards. Currently, you can purchase my work as downloadable coloring pages in my Etsy shop.

Artist’s Statement

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to create. Indeed, creating is as essential as breathing, sleeping, or eating. I started young and was fortunate to have been encouraged by parents and friends, resulting in solo exhibitions from the age of 7 and a coloring book contract with a national publisher when I was 9. Later, my drawings traveled to exotic places like New Zealand, Tokyo, and Wales.

But fame and recognition were never important to me. What mattered most was creating my own fantastic universe of animals and plants, where critters frolic with a sassy humor and movement, energy, and color abound. The second greatest reward was sharing these nutty visions with others and making them forget their cares, if even for a moment.

In a world increasingly flooded with superficiality and unrelenting commercialism, I believe people are starved for images of beauty. Not just beautiful images per se, but dynamic, graceful worlds where one can relax, rejoice, and wander through jungles of color, fun, energy, and humor.

It’s my greatest hope that when people see my work, they’ll smile and recall the essence of delight.