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Gori Bautista, the creator and founder of Gorilaboratory, is a Filipino-American artist hailing from the Philippines. His artistic journey began at the tender age of six, when he drew his own comic books featuring unique characters and stories inspired by the popular anime trend of the 90s. Over time, his passion for art grew as he delved into street graffiti and sticker art under the pseudonym "GORI" at 20 years old. This experience fueled his desire to create bigger, more impactful artworks. Gori's artwork can be seen in the large, powerful, and expressive faces of the Gorilla. 

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Following his stint with graffiti art, he made a switch to acrylic painting on canvases. He showcased his exceptional artistic skills in several group art exhibits in Manila, culminating in a highly successful solo art exhibit in January 2017 that sold out in no time. Soon after, he relocated from the Philippines to Mesa, Arizona, where he presently resides.

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In 2020, he made the bold decision to commit himself fully to his art and specialize in crafting designer toys that are highly sought-after by collectors. His passion and dedication have resulted in the creation of KONGU, GORIO, GREGOR, and BOOGIE, all of which have gained widespread acclaim. Through his collaborations with numerous talented toy artists, both locally and internationally, his work has been showcased in numerous galleries throughout the US.

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During the NBA playoff season of 2023, the Phoenix Suns partnered up with Gori to develop merchandise that pays tribute to AAPI Heritage Month. This collaboration was highlighted by ABC15 Arizona, showcasing the invaluable work and contribution of Gori to the Phoenix Suns.