I was born and raised in Portland, OR. I studied education and became a teacher before the age of 25. I was raised by two educators, one of which was a skilled painter by hobby. Taking to art at a young age, I started drawing and building everything I could imagine with whatever scraps I could find. Art remained a hobby throughout my educational career.

During the pandemic, I leaned into my art as a creative outlet to cope with the isolation, transition to remote teaching, and increasing social injustices. I connected more with my creative self, my power, and dreams. When I returned to school in person, I realized quickly that teaching was no longer my passion and was taking a toll on my emotional and physical health. After months of turmoil, I decided to leave my career to pursue my dream of creating art fulltime. I began Riko Burns, a small business centered around pyrography, the art of wood burning. I transferred my drawing skills to burning, laying pieces of my creative self into the hands of others.

I am supported by my many communities, family, and dear friends. Without the communities I am dedicated to, Riko Burns would not be possible. To the people who empowered me as a BIPOC queer, the people who have stayed connected through dodgeball, kickball, softball, and pool, the people who have worked alongside me in education, the people who have stayed connected throughout the years, THANK YOU. Your support, encouragement, love, and vision has helped grow me into the person I am today and the space I joyously reside in.