Gina Ariko is a Japanese-American figurative painter based in Seattle, WA. Growing up, she spent every other summer visiting family in Kokura, Japan, where her ojichan and obaachan first taught her to paint. Despite the language and distance barriers between them, they learned to connect through a shared love of painting. Her interest in art and storytelling overlapped at Santa Clara University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in both English and studio art, with a minor in art history. After graduation, Gina worked in marketing, events, and community development before pursuing her art full-time in 2020. In addition to her studio practice, Gina freelances as a floral designer and teaches art classes in the Seattle area. 

In our conversation, we talk about the childhood trips to Japan that influenced her trajectory as an artist, what it took for her to step out and commit to her art full time, and the impact her grandparents had on both her art and life. Gina is an avid reader and near the end of the episode, she also shared some of her current book recommendations.

Website: www.ginaariko.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginaariko/