Meet Sharon Yaoxi He

We recently connected with Sharon Yaoxi He and have shared our conversation below.

Sharon Yaoxi, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I view resilience as a skill that strengthens with experience. Every challenge in painting—whether technical or conceptual—offers an opportunity for learning and growth. Rather than fearing mistakes, I see them as integral to the creative process. The process of problem-solving, more than the final outcome, is what keeps my passion for painting alive. When I encounter creative emptiness, I remind myself that rich input always precedes output. Stepping away from the studio and engaging with life’s experiences, such as reading, observing, taking a walk, etc., often provides the insights that elevate my work and is usually out of subconscious absorption, surprisingly. Ultimately, I believe that every challenge in art and life is interconnected and opens doors for more profound development.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a full-time painter; I did my BFA at Emily Carr University of Arts +Design and my MFA at Columbia University. The theory of space and time as subjective rather than objective dimensions plays a central role in shaping my psychological understanding and painting practice. Lately, I have encountered the idea that space and time are not inherent properties of the external world but instead forms of intuition—frameworks through which we perceive and structure our experience. This understanding resonates deeply with my approach to art, and I aim to reflect on how our perception of reality is filtered through these subjective lenses. By recognizing that space and time are not fixed absolutes but flexible constructs shaped by our consciousness, I am able to explore how these concepts influence our engagement with the world and, consequently, with art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Adaptability: Being open and flexible to changes, especially when faced with unexpected situations or diverse environments, was crucial for my growth. I’ve learned that adapting quickly, whether to a new problem or an unfamiliar setting, allows for resilience and success in the long run.

Advice: Early on, embrace change as a learning opportunity. The more adaptable you become, the easier it will be to navigate life’s uncertainties. Expose yourself to new environments or challenges regularly to build this skill.

2. Self-motivation and work-life balance: This quality helped me maintain focus and momentum throughout my art practice. Balancing between work and personal life, while also having the ability to switch modes when needed, allowed me to stay productive without burning out. Learning to “self-save”—to recognize when to step back or change direction—was essential.

Advice: Cultivate the habit of setting goals and managing your energy. It’s important to push yourself but equally important to know when to rest. Find routines or practices that help you maintain balance.

3. Problem-solving with a critical mindset: Being able to think critically and approach problems creatively is key in art and teaching. This skill allowed me to push boundaries in my work and teaching methods, finding unique solutions to challenges.

Advice: Regularly engage in reflective practices that sharpen your problem-solving abilities

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is maintaining mental stability. It can be challenging to stay on track when you’re constantly managing your own time and projects.

I’m working on building a stable mentality by accepting that unpredicted things will happen and learning to embrace the idea that good things may come at a slower pace.

I have been creating small, manageable routines and being patient with myself and my paintings. It’s about letting go of the pressure to control everything and trusting that progress, even when it’s slow, is still progress. Always keep in mind that things happen for a reason, a good reason.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yaoxihe.com/
• Instagram: sharonnnnnhe

Image Credits

Daniel Greer