Ariel Oki is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Santa Monica, California. A native of Los Angeles, her colorful and layered works pay homage to her background. As a 5th-generation Japanese American her work embodies the complexity and mystery of her heritage, culture, and tradition.

Layered patterns, organic forms, folds of fabric, plant-life, and vibrant colors are woven together to create a spontaneous composition. Depending on her instincts, Oki allows all works to remain unplanned, to flow throughout each piece.

She started creating art as a teen, receiving a portfolio award before earning a degree of Bachelors of Fine Arts at Tufts University and School Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA. Focusing in mixed media, drawing, printmaking, and bookmaking she was in several shows in Boston and was a recipient of the Medici scholarship. Returning back to the West Coast, Oki is now an art teacher to the youth of Los Angeles.

Oki focuses on creating landscapes drawing from experiences, imagination, and repetition. Through her works, she undertakes the innate search for connection and in reverie, she pieces together the fusion of her experiences.