Mirto's parents were not interested in living a bourgeois middle class life. Barbara was a Dancer and John was an Artist. When Mirto was born, they maintained their bohemian lifestyle, traveling "gypsy" -like all over the country. Eventually they settled back in John's hometown, Washington, D.C. John continued his bohemian life as an Artist. Barbara rose to the occasion and took on a career job raising Mirto by herself.

Growing up in Washington, D. C. and with an artist for a father undoubtedly influenced Mirto's creative development. Washington is a wonderfully cosmopolitan and stimulating place. Not a lot of new art is generated there - but everything comes there! Time spent with her father consisted of visiting all the national Art museums. Mirto was able to see the "Mona Lisa", Van Gogh's "Starry Night", and countless other famous works of art. Mirto's mother contributed further to her aesthetic education by taking her to the ballet to enjoy the performances of many of the world's most celebrated dancers.

In 1960 Barbara took Mirto someplace very different and exotic: Tehran, Iran. The adventure of living in Iran not only broadened Mirto's cultural perspectives, but also contributed strongly to her visual sensibilities - the love of orientalism and ornamental motifs.

In 196I they returned to Washington, D.C., where Mirto finished her primary education and then set upon a Bohemian "Gypsy-ish " lifestyle of her own.

"I have made a huge 'X' across the country," says Mirto. "From Miami, Florida to Seattle, Washington -then Boston, Massachusetts to San Diego, California.

"When I reached San Diego in 1979 - the earth reached up and grabbed my ankles - I stayed there 27 years."

Mirto has either studied or made art in all of these places.

Mirto currently lives and maintains a studio in Oakland, California, where she continues her artistic seeking and experimenting with color, materials and techniques.