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Pono Asuncion (ze/they) also uses art as a form of therapy. “Making art is a coping skill, a mode of processing and a medicine for me. My art allows me to connect with my ancestors and establish agency,” ze shared.

In today’s episode, we speak with Pono Asuncion, an interdisciplinary artist, storyteller, illustrator, and culture bearer. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and ancestral roots, Pono’s art explores themes of alternate worlds, the extension of family lineage beyond this sphere, and the significance of recovering and honoring one’s history and identity. 

Pulling on inspiration from systemic barriers around us and how the disruption of colonialism affects the passage of knowledge, Pono takes us on a journey through their creative process. We learn how they build rich, layered visual experiments using an eclectic mix of materials from watercolors, acrylic, ink, markers, highlighters, to tape, cardboard, and even black and white pieces. 

Through their unique approach to color and texture, Pono invites us to imagine what other realms and narratives might emerge if we reconnect with our past. Join us in this powerful conversation about the intersections of art, identity, and alternate worlds.

"Making stuff [brings me joy as an artist]! Making lots and lots and lots and lots of stuff, and sharing it with people. Sharing my love of art and creativity with my 2 and 5 year-old nieces, who are becoming prolific makers themselves! I also love learning about zoology, microbiology, astrophysics, evolutionary biology, video games, ancient history, art history, theories about aliens, and so much more—I love collecting information and ephemera and context and history. I see my self-directed learning as seed gathering and sowing, knowing anything could come up when I inevitably sit down to make my perpetually unplanned and improvised stuff. I used to want to go to art school, but I’ve realized that being self-taught is itself a precious source of joy and pride that I don’t really ever want to compromise."