Meet Yunqian Lin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yunqian Lin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yunqian, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by immersing myself in the art world and nature, both of which serve as endless sources of inspiration. As a fine art photographer, I explore the relationship between visual storytelling and artistic expression, constantly experimenting with different techniques and perspectives. Working closely with exhibitions, curating content, and promoting artwork allows me to engage with diverse creative voices. At the same time, nature is a vital part of my creative process—it opens my senses, sharpens my observation skills, and helps me see light, texture, and composition in a more profound way. The ever-changing landscapes and organic patterns fuel my artistic vision, allowing me to capture moments that blend emotion, aesthetics, and storytelling. Through this balance of structured artistic engagement and the raw inspiration of nature, I continue to evolve as an artist.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a fine art photographer and multimedia artist based in New York, with a practice deeply rooted in exploring the fluid nature of time, transformation, and the interplay between control and spontaneity. My work is centered on the evolving relationship between human activity and the natural world, with a particular focus on landscapes and the organic forces that shape them.

Photography is the foundation of my creative process, but my practice extends beyond the traditional image. I integrate video and installation to examine cycles of destruction and regeneration, using these mediums to capture the ephemeral and ever-changing nature of the world around us. My “Entropy” series, for example, reflects this philosophy by documenting the natural world as a dynamic force, where chance and unpredictability become co-creators in the artistic process. Water, a recurring element in my work, embodies transformation—continuously deconstructing and reconstructing itself. This mirrors my own process, where images are dismantled and reassembled into something entirely new, allowing time to leave its imprint on the work.

What excites me most about my practice is the way photography transcends mere documentation. It becomes a tool for inquiry, a means of contemplating existence, and a way to reveal the unseen. I am particularly drawn to the interaction between photographic materials, light, and the physical world, exploring how these elements shape both the image and the viewer’s perception of time and space.

Currently, I am engaged in several projects that push these ideas further. My work continues to evolve through new photographic experiments and interdisciplinary collaborations that expand the boundaries of how we perceive and interact with images. I also have upcoming exhibitions that will showcase recent works exploring the tension between natural forces and human intervention, as well as new installations that invite viewers to engage with the temporal shifts within the landscape.

Through my work, I hope to create a dialogue between nature and the viewer, inviting deeper reflection on time, impermanence, and the delicate balance between control and chaos. Whether through photography, video, or immersive installations, my goal is to capture the ever-changing rhythm of the world and offer a space for contemplation and discovery.

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?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been keeping an open mind, having patience, and daring to try. An open mind has allowed me to explore beyond traditional photography, incorporating video, installation, and interdisciplinary approaches while staying receptive to new ideas and perspectives. Patience has been essential in trusting the creative process, refining my work over time, and allowing ideas to mature naturally. Daring to try—embracing risks and experimentation—has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, leading to unexpected discoveries and artistic growth.

For those starting their journey, I encourage you to stay curious, be patient, and take creative risks. Explore different techniques, engage with new influences, and don’t be afraid of failure. Every experiment teaches something valuable. Trust that your artistic voice will develop organically, and remember that growth comes from continuous learning, persistence, and the courage to push boundaries.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

A challenge I’m currently facing is balancing my full-time job at a gallery with my personal artistic practice. Working in an art environment is inspiring, but it also demands a lot of time and energy, making it difficult to dedicate consistent hours to my own creative work. The challenge isn’t just about finding time—it’s about maintaining the passion and mental space needed for deep artistic exploration outside of professional responsibilities.

To navigate this, I’ve been focusing on intentional time management and creative discipline. Setting dedicated time for personal work, even in small increments, helps me stay engaged with my practice. I also try to integrate creativity into daily life—whether through quick sketches, photography studies, or even using moments in nature to recharge and gather inspiration. Finding the right balance is an ongoing process, but I believe that consistency, no matter how small, is key to sustaining artistic passion alongside a demanding career.

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Yunqian Lin

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