Thai American artist Dow Phumiruk illustrates children’s books

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

out so beautifully in her artwork.”

Soontornvat sought the talents of Phumiruk, who admitted she couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.

“The author reached out to me,” Phumiruk said during the signing at the Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association FallCon last October in Denver. “I thought it was a fantastic project.” er for Thai Airways, she returned to Thailand annually between 16 and 22 years old.

Both her parents have passed away, but she expressed gratitude for her father, who lived to witness her first five published books.

Artist, author, and children’s book illustrator Dow Phumiruk initially pursued a career in medicine, but she did a career pivot into the creative field when she wanted to spend more time with her children. Her creativity opened doors for opportunities to showcase Asian characters through children’s books.

“Working with Dow Phumiruk, an award-winning and beloved Thai American illustrator, to tell the life story of Senator Tammy Duckworth, one of the most well-known and accomplished Thai Americans, is such an incredible honor,” said Christina Soontornvat, author of the book entitled, A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth.

“Senator Duckworth is held in high esteem both in Thailand and in Thai communities here in the United States. At the same time, she busts through so many commonly held stereotypes about Thai Americans, and about Asian American women in general. She is a fighter in every sense of the word, but she also carries so much love and generosity in her heart --- qualities that Dow has brought

Phumiruk signed boxes of books by Soontornvat for conference attendees, who were independent booksellers from the mountain regions of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Beginnings of an artist

The Lone Tree resident traced her creativity to fourth grade when she put together an art book with a book of wallpaper and rubber cement. “I didn’t think this would be my future,” she recalled.

She also compared herself to her cousin from Thailand. “She was a great artist and I felt my art wasn’t as good as hers.”

Immigration journey and career

Before settling in Colorado, she left Thailand and immigrated to Skokie, Illinois. Her family selected Illinois because her mother’s sister already lived in the midwest state.

Since her father was a flight dispatch-

Before her publishing career, she credited pursuing medicine as a career choice to her parents. “They were practical, but I came back to art,” she said.

Phumiruk attended college in Texas, where she met her husband, Michael. She built a career as a nurse and then became a pediatrician but took time off to raise her three girls, who are now 24, 20, and 18 years old. During her time off, she rediscovered her love for art.

She stays sharp in the medical field by teaching medicine to students at Rocky Vista University in Parker. “I thought I would return to medicine, but I retired clinically,” she said.

Their family of five settled in Lone Tree to be closer to family.

Illustration projects

In 2011, Phumiruk joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her agent discovered her talent at a local conference. Phumiruk received her first offer to publish her first illustrated book in 2015. Today, she has signed 20 contracts.

Her favorite ‘baby’ is one she both wrote and illustrated entitled, “Hugsby.” The book was a finalist at the Colorado Book Awards 2022.

“Colorado is rich with outstanding writers in every genre. Every year we are more impressed with the quality of Colorado Book Award entries. It is our honor to review the annual submissions and recognize Colorado’s authors,” said Colorado Humanities Executive Director Margaret Coval.

Illustrator’s block

Her creativity doesn’t flow when she is tired. “Sleep deprivation hinders creativity,” she said. “I try to get plenty of rest each night, but sometimes life gets in the way! I like drawing an illustration a week that is not for a contracted project. This keeps me happy and helps keep my creative mind active.”

To stay in her creative mode, Phumiruk goes on short hikes by her house. “I look for art in nature,” she said. “When I have time, I try to visit art shows, or museums. Watching movies with great cinematography can also inspire me.”

Phumiruk explores creativity in different spaces like sewing. Projects included puppet theater complete with puppets to launch one her new books.

“I learned to sew on my mom’s old Singer machine in the late 1970s,” she said. “So, I’ve been sewing for decades!”

“I usually make clothing or costumes that are promotions in some way, such

Books Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

Counting on Katherine

An Equal Shot as dressing up as one of my book characters for Halloween.”

Art

Her art is simple yet playful. Her Instagram feeds highlight artwork that is not published so her followers can view her daily artwork. Last October, artwork depicted autumn, Halloween, and the changing of the season.

So far, she has published 13 books, while seven projects are in progress. She contributes to the community by auctioning off her work for worthy causes.

Advice to young artists

Phumiruk admitted to copying art from her Manga comics as a child.. “You can copy art to practice so pick the style and draw your own version, not to sell it but to practice,” she said.

“Draw what you love,” advised Phumiruk. “Observe the world around you and practice.”

Her Name was Mary Katharine

Hello, Tree

Hugsby

A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Maya Lin

Mela and the Elephant

Mouse’s Christmas Gift

Mr. Elephant’s Rio Tour

One Girl

Titan and the Wild Boars

Yes, We Will