Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.

I grew up in Hawaii, the island of Oahu. We moved to Reno, Nevada in 1997. I consider both my home. I've raised two awesome sons! They were my top priority as a stay at home Mom.

I am caregiver to my husband and I'm a multi media artist. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the past I've had a small childcare, a gift basket business and sold cosmetics just to name a few. I've also modeled, did some local commercials and was lead instructor at Barbizon. I attended community collage for the first time in my forties. Aside from my art creations, I'm currently still a professional freelance makeup artist and teach art classes locally.

How did you get your start as an artist?

I started being interested in art very young, probably before elementary school age. I took my coloring books and crayons everywhere. It was always my easy A in school. It's constantly been a side interest in my life. Around 2013/2014 I started thinking about doing art more seriously and started creating more regularly. I thought to myself, if you don't pursue this now, you'll regret it.

What do you love most about what you do?

Art is my way to express myself and it gives me a lot of creative satisfaction. It has also really helped me manage the stresses of everyday life and inspires me to keep learning and becoming a better person. Its something I don't get tired of. I love having a studio in my home and making my own schedule. I remember having a bottom drawer in one of my Moms dressers when I was very young. It was full of paper dolls and other artsy goodies, it made me feel so excited to dig through it. I feel the same about my art studio!

“Art is my way to express myself and it gives me a lot of creative satisfaction. It has also really helped me manage the stresses of everyday life and inspires me to keep learning and becoming a better person.”

— Tina Mokuau

What do you find the most challenging?

I'm currently trying to build up my art business, so learning more about social media and online marketing is on my list. I'm still looking for my people as far as selling goes.

When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?

My faith plays a big role, and positive people like my husband. He's a quadriplegic and has remained positive throughout all the tough times after his accident and has inspired me to keep going as well.

Who is another artist you admire most and why?

Lance Letscher, there is a great documentary on him called The secret life of Lance Letscher. I highly recommend it. He seems to be a down to earth humble guy and has utilized all sorts of materials in his work.

I also adore Rex Ray's work and aspire to make anything remotely like his one day. There are also so many great collage artists on Instagram that I drool over!!

Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.

I'm happy doing simple things like browsing the local art supply store, waking up slow in the morning and drinking my coffee in bed, eating tacos and being told I'm pretty by my husband! Lol!

Anything weird on your bucket list?

Finding that stone on Outlander? Just kidding, I don't think I'd do well having to wear a corset daily. I don't really have a bucket list. I'm blessed just to be here!

Top three songs you keep on repeat?

Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House

No One Is To Blame - Howard Jones

Feel It Still - Portugal. The man

Oh, and if I need positive motivation,I play When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going - Billy Ocean

Podcast you can’t get enough of?

The Laura Horn Art Podcast , The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial

How do you fuel for the day?

Well, I'm a night owl and don't get up as early as I probably should, I am trying to go slightly earlier very slowly. I get up and take some deep breaths to get more oxygen to my brain and stretch. I also put on energetic music and of course COFFEE!!

Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!

I want to be as successful and inspiring as I can get!! I'd love to have my art sell out as soon as it goes public - online or in person. I want collectors from all over the world! I want to be involved in even more charities and use my art to help them. I want to make people happy and bring joy with my art!

“I want to make people happy and bring joy with my art!”