Liya Yitna was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and came to the United States in 2006. She studied Art at Georgia State University and graduated with a degree of Studio Arts. Her art is heavily influenced by her upbringing in Ethiopia.  Her subject matter consists of native objects and images that hold with them very profound messages and ideas for a more peaceful life.

Liya uses various techniques with both her watercolor as well as her oil paintings.  Many of her works are created on handmade paper and become a creation entirely her own. Liya likes to express her art using items and characters from her native country of Ethiopia. 

"Jebena", Ethiopian coffee pot  and "Gojjo", the traditional Ethiopian cottage are recurring themes in her art. Their unique shape and significance in Ethiopian community is what drives her interest. In Ethiopia, coffee ceremonies bring communities together. It is a therapeutic gathering where everyone shares and supports each other. Jebena art is meant to transcend this form of kinship.