Meet Gina Tyquiengco

We were lucky to catch up with Gina Tyquiengco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from the women in my family, especially my late Nana Rose. She helped raise me and was a true warrior—the most resilient person I’ve ever known. More than just an amazing grandmother, she was my mom, friend, teacher, and guiding light. Her strength and love always carried me out of darkness and into light, and her influence continues to shape who I am today.

When she passed away, it was during one of the most chaotic times in my life. I was grieving her loss, trying to stay strong for my family, and juggling work, relationships, freelance projects, art events, and even a mural project, all while coping with the effects of the pandemic. Anxiety and insomnia returned to my life, and I found myself seeking holistic ways to manage everything.

Two weeks after her passing, I began work on a commission that I had received the very morning she died. At first, I couldn’t bring myself to start, but as I slowly poured myself into the piece, I began to heal. Art has always been therapeutic for me, but this commission solidified my belief in its power to heal. It became my solace during that vulnerable and exhausting period, reminding me of Nana Rose’s strength.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Gina Tyquiengco, a multidisciplinary artist and designer with a passion for creating beauty through abstract art and freeform hand lettering. My work is deeply rooted in my heritage, reflecting my dual identity as a woman of Guamanian and African American descent. I primarily work with a minimalist palette of black, white, and 24K gold leaf, which allows me to explore contrasts, textures, and the spiritual connections that inspire my creative process.

What excites me most about my art is its ability to tell a story without words. Every piece I create is layered with meaning, representing not just my personal journey but the collective experiences we all share. I aim to make art that connects with people on a deep level, encouraging viewers to explore their emotions and memories as they engage with each piece. My process is highly intuitive—I often don’t plan what will emerge on the canvas but allow the shapes and textures to guide me.

Professionally, I’m focused on expanding my artistic practice and offering my services to other artists. I’m excited to explore new techniques and mediums in my studio, allowing for continued growth and experimentation. In addition, I’m dedicating more time to writing about my creative journey, sharing insights into the behind-the-scenes process of my work and the inspiration that drives it.

For me, art isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the process of creation, the healing it brings, and the connections it fosters. Whether through painting, design, or writing, my goal is to inspire others to embrace their creativity and explore the world around them with curiosity and imagination.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities that shaped where I am today are resilience, curiosity, and intuition.

Resilience came from my upbringing and the strong women in my family, particularly my late Nana Rose. Her strength, even in the face of challenges, taught me the importance of perseverance. Resilience has been essential not just in overcoming personal hardships, but also in navigating the unpredictable nature of a creative career. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to remember that setbacks and rejections are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. Each challenge you face adds to your strength and shapes the artist or creative you are becoming.

Curiosity has always driven me to explore, experiment, and try new things. Whether it’s diving into a new artistic technique or learning more about the digital side of design, curiosity keeps me open to growth and evolution. For those just starting out, I would encourage you to nurture your curiosity—never stop asking questions, trying new things, and pushing the boundaries of what you think is possible. This is where innovation and personal breakthroughs come from.

Lastly, intuition has played a huge role in my creative process. Learning to trust my instincts, both in my art and in my business decisions, has helped me stay authentic and grounded. I often create from a place of feeling rather than logic, and that has made my work more personal and connected to who I am. My advice to others is to trust your gut—whether it’s in your creative work or your career decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or the pressures of external expectations, but staying true to yourself will always lead you to the right path.

To sum up, resilience will keep you going when times are tough, curiosity will push you to grow, and intuition will guide you toward authenticity. Keep these qualities close as you navigate your own journey, and allow each experience to shape you into the creative you are meant to become.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I see, as a woman of color, is the lack of resources and recognition for talented Black and brown creatives. I’m speaking not just for myself but for many creatives of color who struggle to gain the visibility and support they deserve. While progress is being made, we’re still not where we need to be.

The Black Lives Matter movement brought attention to these issues, but much of that support felt temporary and performative. Many companies and individuals offered spaces and resources to POC creatives at the time, but it often felt like a facade—more about making those organizations look good rather than creating lasting change. Navigating the creative world is challenging for everyone, but for many creatives of color, it’s even harder without the right connections or financial backing. Collectors and buyers often gravitate toward work they perceive as having higher value, and that perception is frequently tied to access and privilege.

To combat this, I actively support POC-owned businesses by hiring and collaborating with Black and brown creators, and purchasing art from fellow creatives of color. I also do my best to help others navigate these challenges. However, there is still so much work to be done, and this is why I’m so focused on offering my services to creatives in general. My goal is to help break down barriers and create real, lasting opportunities for them to thrive.

In Central Florida, communities like Art of Collab have been at the forefront of supporting artists, particularly Black and brown creatives. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside them for years, and they are true advocates for our community. Their dedication to fostering a space where artists can connect, collaborate, and grow is the kind of lasting change we need. However, it’s clear that more support is required—not just in the form of temporary attention, but sustained investment in these communities.

We need more institutions to back us and more communities to uplift us, not just temporarily, but in ways that foster true growth and sustainability. Organizations like Art of Collab are making strides, but it’s critical that we continue to spotlight and support their efforts. Central Florida’s creative community is rich with talent, and it’s time we recognize and invest in that potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ginatyquiengco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginatyquiengco/

Image Credits

Black Shell Studio,
Marcia Bradley