Meet Zard Apuya | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zard Apuya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zard, what makes you happy? Why?
Creating makes me happy. There’s something deeply fulfilling about bringing an idea to life, especially when it resonates with others. My art is heavily inspired by food, something that brings people together, sparks nostalgia, and carries personal meaning. When people see my work and light up because they recognize something they love—whether it’s their favorite childhood snack or a dish tied to a special memory—that connection is what truly makes me happy. Knowing that my art not only brings me joy in the process but also brings joy to others is what keeps me going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a toy artist for about 15 years now, and it’s been a journey filled with practice, experimentation, and plenty of trial and error. But that’s what I love about being an artist—it’s both fun and challenging. The creative process keeps me engaged, always pushing me to try new techniques and materials to bring my ideas to life.

One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was figuring out my style. Many artists have a distinct painting style or recurring themes that make their work instantly recognizable, and I struggled with the idea that I didn’t have that. But when I started focusing on food-themed designs, the response was incredible. The connection I built with my audience through their shared love of food made me realize that maybe I didn’t need a specific style—having a theme was enough to set me apart. That realization helped me embrace food as a signature part of my brand in the toy art community.

I’m incredibly proud of the opportunities I’ve had along the way. I’ve been fortunate to put together several solo shows at multiple galleries and participate in group exhibitions locally, nationally, and internationally. Beyond that, my art has allowed me to build friendships and a strong network of like-minded creatives who continue to inspire me.

What’s also been exciting is how being a food-themed artist has opened doors beyond the art world. It’s allowed me to collaborate with food brands and restaurants, creating a unique bridge between the art and food industries. It’s a win-win because it not only gives me opportunities to expand my creative work but also allows these brands to support artists in new and exciting ways.

Over time, my craft evolved into creating videos to showcase my work on social media, and that unexpectedly led me into content creation. It opened even more doors to explore creativity beyond toy art, giving me another avenue to share my passion while reaching new audiences.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that my journey as an artist has been about exploration, persistence, and embracing what makes my work unique. Art has allowed me to connect with people in ways I never expected, and I’m excited to see where it continues to take me.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is co-founding The Guam Artist Collective alongside my friend Neeko David. As artists from Guam now based in Southern California, we wanted to create a space where fellow Guam creatives—whether they have Chamorro roots, grew up on the island, or have called it home—can come together to showcase their talent.

Our first major exhibition as a collective in San Diego featured 10 artists across various disciplines, from 2D art and sculpture to music and even augmented reality. More than just a showcase, this initiative is about representation—highlighting the incredible talent Guam has to offer while building a supportive community of artists here on the mainland. My hope is that this collective continues to grow, creating more opportunities for Guam artists to share their work and connect with wider audiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, the entire trip would probably turn into a full-on food tour of San Diego. Food is such a big part of my life, and while I have my go-to spots, there are still so many restaurants I haven’t made my way to yet. San Diego is just as much of a food city as other major destinations in the U.S., with new places constantly popping up in different neighborhoods.

Instead of just taking them to my usual favorites, I’d use their visit as the perfect excuse to check out all these new spots together. There’s something special about experiencing a restaurant for the first time with someone—getting to share that excitement, compare notes on the food, and maybe even discover a new favorite.

A rough itinerary? We’d probably aim for at least three food stops a day—maybe even four if we pace ourselves right. Who says you can’t have two dinners? Brunch in the morning, an afternoon coffee stop at a cool local café, then a dinner (or two) at somewhere new. We’d hit up some of San Diego’s best taco spots, explore the city’s growing Asian food scene, grab fresh seafood by the water, and maybe even do a brewery or two since SD has such a strong craft beer culture.

Of course, we’d have to break it up with some non-food activities—probably checking out art galleries, strolling through Balboa Park, hitting the beach, or just exploring different neighborhoods. But at the end of the day, the trip would revolve around good food, good company, and just enjoying what the city has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. From the very beginning, they recognized my love for art and supported me wholeheartedly. No matter what twists and turns my journey has taken—whether it was pursuing creative risks, investing more time into my craft, or building something of my own—they’ve always believed in my potential. Their encouragement has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward as an artist, even when the path wasn’t always clear. Knowing they stand behind me has been one of the biggest motivators in my creative journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Website: https://www.zardapuya.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/zardapuya

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apuyaz/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/zardapuyaart

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zardapuya