We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yu Qian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yu, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
There is an ancient Chinese saying that goes, ‘Things seldom go one’s way, and there are few people to confide in.’ When encountering setbacks, some individuals may choose to confide in friends or family to seek solace. Some individuals, like myself, tend to conceal negative emotions within their hearts. For me, the strokes of the brush represent more than just emotional expression; they symbolize a journey through time. When vibrant pigments blend on paper, all my troubles fade away. Through this creative process, I have cultivated resilience.
In addition to drawing, playing the zither, and spending time with my cat are also sources of solace for me. The empathetic furry companion possesses a magical healing power, and I deeply appreciate their companionship.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have always believed in the healing power of art, and as a result, my work is dedicated to themes related to disability and mental health. My collection, titled ‘Social Anxiety Disorder’ (SAD), will be presented at New York Fashion Week in collaboration with the Global Fashion Collective team. The collection draws inspiration from the fact that many individuals with social anxiety often find solace in the company of animals rather than humans. Therefore, I have incorporated various animal elements into the designs, with a particular focus on the cat element. As I mentioned earlier, my cat has brought me immense healing power, and I can empathize with its ability to alleviate anxiety. Through my creations, I aim to offer comfort and a positive perspective to those struggling with social anxiety.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I firmly believe that qualities such as confidence, stability, and effective planning are paramount. This belief was put to the test when I transitioned from clinical pharmacy to fashion design in China through an interdisciplinary graduate entrance exam.
During the exam, the rules unexpectedly changed without prior notice. Instead of designing a women’s garment within an hour, candidates were suddenly tasked with creating both a men’s and a women’s suit in the same time frame. This abrupt change left many candidates flustered, believing they couldn’t complete the task on time. However, I managed to stabilize my emotions, promptly restructured my design plan, and began drafting. I ultimately completed the entire exam successfully. Surprisingly, several candidates who were more skilled at drawing than I was struggled to finish due to their disorganized layouts and nervousness. This experience marked a turning point for me, propelling me into the world of fashion design.
Prior to my transition into fashion design, I encountered numerous skeptics who questioned my abilities with comments like ‘You can hardly do it.’ Nevertheless, I held onto my belief that I could and would achieve my goals. My advice to others is to remain unfazed by external voices, understand your aspirations, believe in yourself unwaveringly, and strive relentlessly toward your objectives.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book ‘Art as Therapy’ by Alain de Botton has played a pivotal role in my personal development. The idea of the book is art is a therapeutic medium that can guide, admonish, and soothe its admirers, inspiring them to become better individuals. It serves as a vessel for preserving experiences, offering hope, enabling people to confront suffering and sorrow, aiding in the restoration of emotional balance, facilitating self-discovery, and fostering personal growth. As de Botton eloquently puts it, ‘Like other tools, art has the power to extend our capacities beyond those originally endowed by nature. Art compensates for certain inborn weaknesses, particularly those of the mind, which we might describe as psychological frailties.’
In my project practice, I have strived to embody the author’s perspective. Art has been instrumental in helping me rediscover myself and attain a harmonious personality balance. My works carry my thoughts and resonate with a broader audience, fostering healing and collective growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: yillia002
