Page 7 - Process Edition 1

June Mineyama-Smithson
Creative Entrepreneur – MAMIMU
June Mineyama-Smithson is a Tokyo raised visual artist practicing in London. She is inspired by the late 70s groovy patterns from her adolescence along with18th century Japanese kimono artisans. She believes
in finding inspiration from the seemingly mundane, just like them.
A good play with colours, shapes and a dash of Postmodernist wit results in bold and joyful patterns, which is what sets June apart from other visual artists. Her work is brought to life by finding beauty in the everyday.
Process: Edition I
Professional
June Mineyama-Smithson
Biography 6
Inspiration
Taking advantage of her multi-cultural setting across New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong, June found inspiration from manholes on streets across the different cities. Finding hidden delights in everyday moments, she created iconic man–hole combinations and patterns that received
a lot of success and admiration.
She added context to her designs
by creating quirky, high quality tote
bags incorporating her minimalistic manhole inspired patterns. These passion projects gradually turned into a business and her very own brand – MAMIMU.
“Self – initiated projects are
crucial for finding inspiration”