Artist Profile: Ariel Mei Gliboff/ 梅花

Face of person in scuba gear

Pronouns: She/Her

Ariel Mei Gliboff/ 梅花 is a queer Chinese American artist and scuba diver living in Redmond. Her work includes underwater photography and watercolor/gouache painting. By showcasing the beauty of the underwater world, Ariel aims to raise awareness about the human impact on our oceans.

I once had someone ask me “Can Asians Be Gay?”  As sad as this made me feel, it also hit home with my own struggle of being a woman of color and being queer.  I’m now at a place in my life where I can thoroughly embrace and celebrate every part of my identity.

Ariel shares her stories through the “What We Sea” blog and podcast

“so-FISH-ticated Rainbow”

Photo of a row of fish of difference colors

Exhibited at Rainbow on the Eastside 2024.

Ever seen a rainbow… underwater?  Today the stars aligned and this beautiful family of colorful gunnels posed their gay hearts out.  And yes, fish are incredibly gay.  Can you find all 11 gunnels?

“Seal the Deal”

Exhibited at Rainbow on the Eastside 2023.

Sea Lions are as mischievous as they are inquisitive. This particular dive had me surrounded by 15 at once, nibbling on my head, my fins, my camera… Thankfully I had enough room to snap these photos. Taken at Nanaimo, BC in 2023.


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