Sarajo Frieden’s work is resplendent with lush folk influences from around the world. The LA-based artist’s studio borders Thai Town, Little Armenia and Koreatown, with Guatemalan and Salvadoran bakeries nearby. It’s this cacophony of language and culture that serves as constant inspiration and a “daily reminder that the ordinary is often extraordinary and nothing is what it seems.”

Her artwork has been shown in galleries around the world and commissioned pieces have taken form in illustrated books, print advertising, lamps, textiles, teapots, journals and domestic art products. Sarajo’s well rounded, worldly, whimsical and warm work is clearly both a representation of her influences and of herself. Her twitter feed is just as approchable as she is, as she eagerly shares her inspirations, pertinent world news and latest work.