We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elena Yi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elena, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from the enthusiasm I have for art. Since I was little, I always dreamed of studying art, even though life often led me in other directions. Despite the detours, art was never far from my mind. When I moved to the US, I had the privilege of meeting my art teacher, Yudong Shen, who introduced me to drawing and painting in a whole new way. Under his guidance, I explored everything from light and shadow to color mixing and mixed media.
My journey continued at the School of Visual Arts, where I pursued an illustration major and immersed myself in the creative process. Over the years, I’ve learned to express myself freely using various media like oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. Art is not just what I do—it’s the passion that gives me strength and brings joy to my life. Every brushstroke and experiment fuels my optimism, reminding me that art is my true home and the source of my happiness.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Currently, I am deeply immersed in creating abstract works using oil, acrylic, and mixed media, with the goal of transitioning into a full-time fine artist. However, this doesn’t mean I’m leaving illustration behind. I still have a strong passion for illustration and plan to publish an illustration book each year that brings fine art sensibilities into a playful, innovative form.
My journey into abstract art began about two years ago during a class at the School of Visual Arts. It opened up a new world for me, one filled with endless experimentation and creative freedom. I love working on large canvases, where I can express myself through bold, gestural brush strokes. For me, abstract painting is a way to convey my inner feelings and share my unique perspective on the world—almost like revealing my soul on canvas.
A recent highlight in my career was a group show with several artists in December 2024, which greatly boosted my confidence as I continue to evolve as a fine artist. I see a fine line between illustration and fine art, and my work embodies a fusion of both disciplines. This blend not only keeps my creative process exciting but also pushes me to redefine the boundaries of my art. I’m excited about where this journey is taking me, and I look forward to exploring more innovative ways to combine these two worlds.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been passion, continuous learning and hard work, and the willingness to explore different styles and materials. Passion is what fuels your creative drive and keeps you motivated, even during challenging times. Continuous learning—whether through daily practice, reading books, or studying the lives and works of other artists—builds the foundation of your skills. Lastly, exploring various styles and media encourages creativity and prevents you from becoming confined to a single approach.
For those just starting out, my advice is simple: work consistently every day. As the saying goes, ‘quantity leads to quality.’ Immerse yourself in learning and never hesitate to experiment with new techniques or materials. This openness will not only enhance your skills but also help you discover your unique artistic voice.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest obstacle I face right now is stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s natural to stick with materials and techniques that feel familiar, but I’ve discovered that venturing into new territory can yield unexpectedly wonderful results. For instance, I experimented by wrapping clay around a wooden board and then painting on it. The irregular shape of the panel and the unique texture of the clay completely transformed the vibe of the painting, giving it a fresh and exciting character. This experience reminds me that sometimes, breaking away from what you know can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tyi.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elena_yi_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-y-b82995250/
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