Annika Gresko is an artist whose life and work are deeply intertwined with her experiences growing up in California. Raised in a close-knit family that ran a hardware store, she learned the value of hard work and hands-on creativity from a young age. While the store was a foundation of her childhood, Annika’s true passion always lay in art, where she could express herself in ways words couldn’t capture. The store’s practicality contrasted with her vibrant imagination, but it was within this environment that she found a unique perspective on life and the world around her. She now channels these early lessons into her art, especially through her bold, textured acrylic paintings that reflect both the beauty and struggles of life.

Struggling with her own mental health, Annika has become an outspoken advocate for suicide prevention, using her art and voice to raise awareness and support for others facing similar battles. Her personal journey with mental health has shaped her deeply, and she often channels her emotions and healing process into her vibrant paintings, where each stroke serves as both a release and a plea for understanding. The name of her business, Ilyanna, is a heartfelt tribute to the people she holds dear, derived from the phrase "I love you, Annika" or "I love you, Anna." It's a message of love, support, and hope that she aims to spread through both her art and her advocacy work. Annika’s love for nature and the Earth also informs her paintings, which often feature elements of the natural world, creating pieces that speak not only to the beauty of life but also to the resilience required to appreciate it fully.