Meet Mina Dulce | Photographer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mina Dulce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been creating and involved in the art world. I won my first award in a local art gallery at five years old, for a sculptural piece made out of cardboard boxes that I called “Science House”. I painted, used clay and found materials for sculptures, sewed, and drew. I was inspired by the world around me and my childhood friends were all creatives, and we would make art together. As I got older I participated in art classes and found my passion for photography. I was inspired by the greats, Annie Liebovitz, Patrick Demarchelier, Ren Hang, and Joel Peter Witkin. I loved capturing life in colors, time, and helping the viewer see through my perspective. I was involved in the local art scene in Tampa, attending art shows, taking classes, going to concerts, and photographing friends and models. Being part of a supportive and loving community helped me grow and learn more about myself as an artist. Art has always been a way for me to express myself, my beliefs and values. A visual diary. It has made me happy and been a useful coping mechanism through many life experiences. I am grateful for photography and art, and the joy and people that it has brought me near. I owe my life to art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of different trials, pushbacks and successes throughout my life. My work is diverse, I photograph, landscapes, people and portraits, fashion and editorial, fine art, and travel. Each series and collection of images is close to my heart and represents an experience or a glance at beauty the way I see it. I started photographing at eleven, since then I have worked hard to expand and progress my portfolio and network with artists all over the world. It hasn’t been easy, it takes a lot of motivation, courage and confidence. I had to separate personal life from work life and persevere through school, work and family issues. I had the help and support of family and mentors, who helped me stay on track and focus my obstacles into my artwork. I learned to cherish my friendships and to put my soul into my artwork by continuing to make art and do my best in everything that I did. Every color, every line, every angle and composition had a choice, had a reason, an alignment to make a beautiful image. I want to be able to inspire other artists, photographers, and creatives, to strive to do their best and find love in what they do. To make art to better themselves and the world around them. To be honest, confident, motivated, and strong.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Currently I’m living in Israel. I live in a moshav, located in the Jezreel Valley in between Nazareth, Haifa, and Yoknea’am Illit. I would stay in Haifa, it is a coastal hilly city, located on the Mediterranean Sea. I would eat in the local Falafel and Shawarma places near Herzl Street. Go to Bat Galim Beach and take a swim and snorkel and after that go to the local sandwich shop up the street. Go see the Japanese Museum and after see the Bahá’í Gardens. Check out Haifa Port and look through local galleries, cafes, and restaurants. I would go to the Druze Village in the Carmel Mountains, above Haifa. Go the Market of Dalia and shop for local goods and pastries. Take time to look around and grab something to eat at a traditional Middle-Eastern Restaurant, with meat, salad, and lemonade. The next day I would go take a hike in Mount Carmel National Park, hilly trails, a local hangout spot, and cool caves to explore and creeks to dip your feet in. After I would go to Kiryat Tiv’on and get a bite to eat at the local Thai restaurant, some of the best Asian food in the area. You can easily take the train, bus or car using a Rav Kav or through the phone app. Overall in the Carmel Mountains and throughout the Jezreel Valley, there is a lot to do and to explore, Israel is waiting for you!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Art Teacher, Mr. Firestone The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: Pierre Dutertre
Connor Totten & The Dali Museum
Free Spirit Experience
E-Nini Hassee

Website: https://isoldesworld.wixsite.com/isoldesworld

Instagram: @isoldesworld

Image Credits
MINA DULCE by ISOLDES WORLD