Born in St. Louis Missouri, Mariko spent her formative years in Austin, Texas where she became steeped in its unique hippie–cowboy culture. She holds diplomas from UT Austin, the University of North Texas, and NYU's School of Professional Studies. After eight years in New York City, she returned to her home town of Austin, TX. 

​

Mariko's work can be seen on permanent display in the University of North Texas's Art in Public Places Collection. She has exhibited internationally in gallery and juried shows, notably having billboard-size artwork reproduced on the side of the Google building in Chelsea, was a finalist for the Hunting Art Prize, and a winner of the Voertman Prize. She is also involved in teaching and mentorship. She has taught Information Architecture and Interaction Design as a Visiting Assistant Professor with Pratt; taught drawing, figure drawing, and painting as an Associate Professor with Collin Community College, and worked as an Adjunct Professor with The University of North Texas College of Visual Art and Design.  

​