Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jun Yang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jun , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I had no confidence or self-esteem as a child in Korea because I was severely bullied and harassed by peers and teachers, forcing me to leave both my country and my family at a young age.
My journey of rebuilding began when I moved to Europe and then, 14 years ago, to San Francisco. This change of environment was crucial, but the real work of healing required immense discipline and dedicated therapy. I found my chosen family in the accepting city of San Francisco and the art community and slowly learned what it means to truly belong. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but I felt for the first time that my past traumas could finally heal.
From there, my confidence gradually grew, and I cultivated self-love and self-respect. It’s been a long and challenging journey, but each step towards self-acceptance has strengthened my sense of self-worth and purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m primarily a painter, working with acrylics and oils on canvas or paper. I’m drawn to large-scale works where my figures celebrate life, inspired by personal experiences and my chosen family. My art explores the concept of evolving identity, drawing from the real-life journeys of immigrant and Queer experiences. I love depicting my figures confidently moving their bodies or peacefully resting in natural settings, to capture their true authenticity.
My soft sculptures add another dimension to my work. Painted on canvas and sewn directly onto it, they often represent my younger self or feature other figures with elongated arms, inviting viewers in for a warm hug. These pieces are deliberately soft and fluffy, encouraging interaction by wrapping themselves with these sculptures, viewers can experience a sense of safety and comfort.
My ultimate goal as an artist is having an exhibition in Korea. I want to share my story with Queer Korean teenagers and the parents of these children, to spread love and protect them against the same harmful societal expectations that I once faced. My mission is deeply personal: to inspire, encourage, and educate young people and their families. I hope to help them avoid the pain and lost childhood I had, turning my past struggles into a beacon of hope and understanding for others.
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?
The number one quality is staying true to myself. Every day I strive to be a more authentic artist rather than focusing solely on technical perfection, especially in a world where we’re constantly exposed to beautiful, “perfect” photos and art on social media platforms. It’s crucial to stay connected to my core vision and experiences, offering a unique approach to art that has not been seen or done before.
The second quality is self-expression. Art has given me a voice to express my feelings and has become my main medium for storytelling. I use it to process and convey my past experiences, as well as my daily joys and struggles. I’m passionate about expressing body positivity and using unconventional colors, especially when depicting Queer POC bodies. This approach allows me to challenge norms and celebrate diversity through my work.
Last but not least, something that I’ve learned and would like to pass onto others is to share your work with the world and embrace change. Don’t just paint; show your art. Post it on Instagram or YouTube. Let people know who you are and what you do. Simultaneously, strive to learn and grow as an artist. Avoid becoming too comfortable always explore and experiment. Every new experience, especially difficult ones, is an opportunity for growth and improvement. Be open to change and view challenges as a chance to develop resilience, and allow your art to evolve with your experiences.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My art patrons and collectors have been invaluable in my journey. Their support goes beyond purchasing my work their unwavering faith in my art has encouraged me to push boundaries and has been a constant source of motivation, especially during times of self-doubt.
The friends I’ve made in the art community have also been crucial in my growth. We’ve exchanged knowledge, shared resources, and provided honest feedback for each other that has really helped me evolve as an artist.
Additionally, I have been heavily impacted by the artists I’ve met through Instagram. Seeing their dedication, watching them strive and create daily, has been incredibly inspiring. These connections initially formed through likes and comments have created into meaningful relationships, which have led to in person meetings, collaborations, and lasting friendships. The power of these online connections has been transformative. It’s opened my eyes to different perspectives, techniques, and approaches to art and life. Witnessing the journeys of other artists, especially those who share similar experiences as queer individuals or immigrants, has given me strength and a sense of community I never had growing up.
The people I’ve met through art have shaped who I am today both as an artist and as a person. They’ve taught me resilience, shown me new possibilities, and reminded me that I’m not alone in my struggles or my triumphs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.junyangart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junyarts?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junyarts?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
