Mimi Matsuda, a full-time artist based in Bozeman, Montana, developed a passion for animals at a young age, surrounded by pet chickens, rats, birds, and fish. With a background in biology, she spent her youth exploring evergreen forests, studying salamanders, fishing for trout, and observing birds and mammals.
After earning a degree in biology, Mimi pursued her dream job as a National Park Ranger Naturalist for Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks. Her art became integral to her work, illustrating principles on guided hikes. This experience sparked her transition to a full-time artist.
Today, Mimi paints to foster emotional connections with nature, using beauty and humor to engage audiences of all ages. As a new mother to identical twins, she creates imagery that resonates with everyone, aiming to inspire the preservation and protection of wildlands and animals.