Interview: Yu-I Chan

I’ve always been a fan of Yu-I’s work, and I was so happy to learn that she’s coming out with new prints in conjunction with her exhibition at Little Bird Gallery. Based on the story of Princess Kavalan, she explores the landscape of the story that originated from the Taiwanese aboriginal story. She took some time to answer our little interview, and I’m so glad to be able to share some of her beautiful images with you! {to see more, head on over to her Flickr stream}

Name: Yu-I Chan
Location: Los Angeles
Website/Shop: yuizdan168.etsy.com, www.chihlungshih.com (architecture projects I did with my partner)
Blog: ahyiyi.blogspot.com
Illustration media: Adobe Illustrator, Gocco printer

Tell us a little more about yourself.
I was born and raised in Taiwan, a sub-tropical island. I came to Los Angeles to study architecture about 10 years ago.

What’s a perfect day for you?
It always starts with a good breakfast and bounty of southern California sun.

How did you get your start in illustration?

I always like to draw. 10 years ago when I just arrived in US I barely spoke a word. I was too shy with my bad English and then I drew more than talked………

Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
It probably always begins with the things around me or the things I’ve missed a lot. Like my grandparent’s house, my grandpa’s orchid garden, my experience with surfing waves and desert landscape in Los Angeles…….

Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?

What or who inspires you?
Nature, Haruki Murakami, Kazuyo Sejima, Hayao Miyazaki, Akira Minägawa.

What keeps you motivated?
Travel.

What’s your favorite tool?
Pencil & color pens (always start with hand sketching)

Are you a full-time artist?
No, I’m also an architectural designer.

What advice would you like to give people who would like to sell their works online?
Start a blog and get a flickr account right away!

Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Take more weaving class, explore more possibility with textile and also participate in more art shows. Of course also visit more countries………and maybe have another trip to Kyoto!

What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
love of nature!!

Tell us something random!
I rarely draw people!
I dream a lot during the day and night!
I like to cook and consider it’s the most exciting art performance.
I can’t dance.
I like tedious jobs.
I also dream I can fly very very often.

————

Thank you Yu-I!

I hope everyone’s having a lovely Monday!

4 Replies to “Interview: Yu-I Chan”

  1. Marina says:

    Que super bonito!

  2. kim says:

    Interviews like these are so much fun. I just did one for spicy web design. But, Illustration topics are way more fun 🙂

  3. Ella says:

    I’m a big, big fan of ah-yi!
    She has a special tone of voice and she inspires me with her sense for patterns and color.

  4. Me too, is an ah-yi fan. Thanks for this interview.

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