Dinara Mirtalipova, a self-taught artist raised in ethnically diverse Tashkent, Uzbekistan, renders vibrant flower-studded compositions and distinct folk patterns with a modern take on old-world charm. Inspired by nature walks, Soviet Uzbek folklore and culture, and trips to museums and libraries, her appreciation for all things happy, colorful and poetic translates into artwork that is woven top-to-bottom with floral motifs, generous use of line work, cozy creatures and stunning hand lettering.

Dinara now calls quiet, snowy Northern Ohio her home, where she works from her home studio using a wide range of materials and tools, including carving lino blocks and gouache. Whether it’s a bouquet of flowers, a mythical creature or a gypsy parade, Dinara’s eye for rich saturated color and detail informs the artwork, patterns and illustration she creates for books, fabric designs, greeting cards, apparel, home goods, and even wrapping paper. Her recent art book Imagine a Forest(Rock Point for Quarto Publishing) shares her knowledge, techniques and inspiration, with instructions for drawing and painting folk art. She has worked internationally with many great brands, publishers and ad agencies and her award-winning work has been covered by Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Design*Sponge, The Food Network, Print and Pattern, Etsy, Uppercase and Culture Trip among others.