On this week’s episode, we welcome Gina Ariko to the podcast! Gina is a Japanese-American artist living in Seattle. While she grew up in the US, she has deep ties to her family roots in Japan. This is especially true for the art that has always played a central role in her life and memories. For her art is a way to communicate when we don’t have the words. For her, the shared love of art with her mom's parents (her jichan and baachan) continues to influence her and the way she views art as a way to connect and honor.

Amber sits down with Gina to talk about taking her art full time, and the influence her Japanese heritage and family have had on her art. They also talk about the intersection of language and art, and how being creative or an artist in the age of the internet comes with a need for boundaries and learning how to grow and maintain your craft without sacrificing your well-being or sanity!

--

Reading List:

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow

Portrait of a Thief Grace D. Li

See what else we’re reading on the TYFA Bookshelf

If you prefer to listen to your books Libro.fm has you covered! You can get a free audiobook when you start a new membership. Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 250,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm using the CODE: TYFA!

--

Keep up with Guest:

Insta: @ginaariko

website: ginaariko.com

--

Keep up with Thank You For Asking & Amber

Insta: @tyfapodcast

Website: www.tyfapodcast.com

Amber’s Instagram: @byamberburns

Have questions? Want to comment on today’s episode? Send us all your thoughts to tyfapodcast@gmail.com

--

Certain products and links to products in these show notes are affiliate links. We will earn a small commission for any affiliate purchases you make at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting TYFA and allowing us to continue to bring these conversations to you.