We recently connected with Yi Cheng and have shared our conversation below.
Yi, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I find my purpose in donating art and learning from both people and animals. Last year, I made at least ten donations to different places, such as elementary schools, police stations, temples, and senior living centers. I discovered that if my art can make people smile and contribute a little to the event, it makes my day and keeps me motivated.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started drawing before I could even walk. At the time, I didn’t have access to any painting materials, but I did have access to my mother’s lipsticks, which I used as paint, and her closet doors –my very first canvas! I remember being interested in coloring the most unreachable places, sometimes climbing the drawers in the closet to reach even higher. Surprisingly, my mother never stopped me; in fact, she encouraged me and became my first supporter.
I always loved observing things. In kindergarten, when all the other kids were playing typical children’s games, I would constantly be in the school garden. I looked at the way the sun’s rays left beautiful shadows on the plants, chairs, tables, and swings. I stared at those shadows on the ground, on the beautiful grass for a long time. Feeling the breeze on my skin as I watched the blades of grass and the leaves on the trees dance. I thought about how pretty and peaceful it was. And then I thought that I wanted to draw and paint that moment, so I could remember it forever.
People never believe me now when I tell them that I was extremely shy growing up. I spent a lot of time alone, not talking to anyone, not even my family. It felt exhausting to talk and I found it difficult to communicate with people. I never minded being alone; I loved spending my time just constantly drawing. I could have been happy doing only that, forgoing food and water until I was exhausted. In fact I did do that multiple times and that worried my parents.
My mom dealt with her worries over my health by encouraging me to try sports. She found me a Tae Kwan Do and a basketball coach and my father was tasked with teaching me how to swim in an effort to get me to engage more. Sports taught me how to work with others, and to be a team player. That is definitely something I had to get used to, and it really helped me later down the road on my art journey.
I attended Shanghai Theater Academy, which is renowned for being the best art school in China. However, after studying for a year I became obsessed with making movies. I wasn’t sure why I was into movies so much at the time; it was much later that I started to realize how movies are also a form of art that requires collaboration, just like a sports team. I was finally coming out of my shell; unlike the old me who wanted to do art alone, I now actually wanted to work with people.
By making films at school, I was thrust into a social world and forced to learn how to speak to others. I was the first assistant director on two feature films in Beijing, a position that required a lot of communication and teamwork. I found it challenging, yet extremely rewarding.
Soon, new doors began opening for me. Every time I spoke to a new person, I learned new things. It completely changed how I approached my art, and how I expressed it.
I received my very first commission in 2010; it was a large wall for the Shanghai 2010 Expo. The concept was about peace and love. Following that, I did about 20 stage designs for theater shows working with theater students in school such as “Sweeney Todd”, “Lion King”, and “Cats”.
During this time, I did a lot of oil and acrylic painting for portraits and landscapes.
In 2013 I made the big, somewhat scary, decision to leave my home country for the chance to explore new ideas and opportunities. Soon I was aboard the 18-hour flight to Manhattan, NY to study cinematography. After I graduated, I mainly worked as a director and director of photography for film productions.
I moved to LA in 2016 and had the honor of working on bigger productions for Warner Brothers, Disney, and HBO. The current one I am working called “The Sympathizer” with Robert Downy Jr. It was truly a life-changing experience that taught me so many lessons. And I had the chance to meet so many amazing people as well. For more info: www.imdb.me/yi
Currently, I continue to do art, focusing on Ink Pen, pencil drawings, and watercolor.
What inspires me to make art is simple. I love doing it. When I’m making art, I feel very at peace. I am not a fan of chaos. I love the idea that I can draw anything, paint anything. There are millions of ways to make art and I hope to keep exploring and learning. There are always new tools, mediums, and ideas to discover!
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?
I believe my experience as a filmmaker and storyteller greatly influences my art. I’ve learned that the ability to tell a story is crucial, starting with gathering unique and special stories from people around you. Be patient, listen attentively, and offer kindness and assistance, even if it’s just a little. Support others in pursuing their goals and dreams.
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 parents are incredibly supportive in helping me overcome challenges. They treat me not only as their child but also as their friend. I feel a deep sense of respect when discussing matters or learning the correct way to approach things. They are always present for me, and I know I can talk to them about anything. One of the most amazing things they did was to lead by example. I remember when I started university in 2009, my mom pursued her doctorate at the same time. As for my dad, even though he couldn’t afford university at the time, he homeschooled himself and passed the test to obtain his degree. Their actions speak volumes, and they continue to inspire me to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yiartgallery.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yidreams
- Linkedin: www.imdb.me/yi
