January is not yet over, so it’s time to remind yourself of your New Year’s resolutions. Our goal to become a patron of the arts has been going alright despite our lack of funding to devote to said pursuit. San Francisco is home to so many amazing artists that the opportunities to see great work are limitless.

One such is artist Misako Inaoka. We stumbled onto her website a few months ago, and were pleasantly surprised to find out she was located here. We like the way Misako’s work juxtaposes a variety of materials and its emphasis on fantastical creatures. You currently have opportunities to see her work at Root Division, and Bucheon Gallery. Beginning in March she will be an artist in residency at the De Young

What's your take on the art in the Bay Area?
Thanks to many non-profit art organizations and supportive galleries, I think there are lots of good emerging artists are coming out. But, many of the shows in the Museums and established galleys in Downtown are not very exciting because the city itself does not have good understanding/support for the arts.

Any advice to artists?
Help other artists. Just make what you want to make, but not what you think you 'should' make.

What should people notice about your art, that maybe they don't?
I don't think I need to say that everyone has their own way of seeing my work.

Where are your favorite places to see art in the Bay Area?
Artists' studios.

Name
Misako Inaoka

Introduce yourself in one sentence
Hi, I'm Misa!

Age and Occupation
30. Artist/part-time artistic designer (at architectural sign making company)

Home Town
Kyoto, Japan

How long have you lived in the Bay Area and Where
In the Mission, since the summer of 2001. I like the energy, convenience, and my roommates.

Favorite place to spend time online
I do random online-surfing.

Favorite local business
Rainbow, Mission Pie

What I'm currently Reading
Just finished "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman. Italo Calvino's "Cosmicomics"

Best Deal in San Francisco
I’d like to know that.

Favorite mode of transportation
My red bicycle.

Best Band or Musician to come out of the Bay Area
There are so many and don't know who's the best.

Favorite local hangout
My studio. Farley's coffee

SF has the BEST
Coffee (in the US)

You've never lived in SF until
Summer 2001.

Now that Mayor Gavin is single, who are you going to set him up with?
Hillary Clinton

You can tell someone is a local here IF
They recycle and refuse to use plastic bags.

SF would be soooo much better if only
The summer was hot.

Best Burrito
Papalote (though it's not authentic) and Taqueria Cancun

Best Restaurant
Tekka

Best movie scene filmed in or about SF
Francis Coppola's "Conversation"

Favorite artist to come out of the bay area
Margaret Kilgallen

Place you always tell visitors to check out
The Mission area.

Favorite Bridge in the area
Golden Gate

You have two hours and $15 bucks to kill in SF, what are you going to do?
Blue Bottle coffee and thrift shopping.

I have found/sold/bought the following on craigslist
The apartment, furniture