Today we’d like to introduce you to Yen Linh Thai

Hi Yen Linh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My public art adventure began in 2019 when I was a mentee on a project in Mississauga –my hometown. Before that, I studied animal biology and studio art in school; loving the arts but thinking I’d be a veterinarian! In between graduating and discovering public art I taught art workshops and summer camp for a few years. Since that first baby mural in 2019, I’ve had the opportunity to create artwork for walls, banners, windows and all sorts of surfaces, growing my community-engaged practice and learning lots as I go.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Of course, uphill battles and bumps in the road are just part of the journey!

It is a competitive process to get public art opportunities and to get funding to work on projects of your own making. Apart from drawing abilities, I also practice writing/speaking about my work and my brain is always stewing on one creative problem or another.

Staying motivated to keep making and pitching and planning when there isn’t a clear path forward can be difficult at times. Repeatedly receiving rejections can be discouraging, and disappointment can feel like a lonely experience. I do my best to share my knowledge/experience and I celebrate other people’s successes! I am also grateful for the people in my life that do the same for me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am an artist, illustrator and muralist. My work is whimsical and is largely inspired by stories and storytelling. Experimentation is my jam so you can find anything from stop motion animations, paper cuts and light installations, photo-drawing collage among other explorations. However, I think my murals and community-engaged projects are the most recognizable. My artworks are inspired by the communities they live in, often focusing on the biodiversity of local plants and animals, humans included!

My style is quite illustrative rather than painterly, and I often work with youth or in youth-centric spaces so I would say my specialty is colourful designs with lots of nature and cute characters.

One project I am very proud of is A Trip Through Town –a 40 foot mural in the Youth Center at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre for the Town of Oakville. I collaborated with a team of 12 youth from brainstorming to sketching, revisions to painting, over the course of 6 months. It was a truly rewarding experience to watch their skill and confidence grow and to soak in their excitement and joy.

I would like to think that my thoughtfulness sets me apart from others. I try my best to consider who I am making for and who I am working with. A lot of effort goes into my research, and a lot of care goes into what I make!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

I am absolutely terrible at networking, haha! Truthfully, crowds can be overwhelming and I can get awkward and anxious in social situations. It is a delicate balance of pushing myself and knowing when it’s better to give myself some space.

I go to art shows I genuinely look forward to seeing, support the people I admire and like, and/or attend with a friend and have a great time with them. For me, it makes more sense to slowly foster connections and friendships in one-on-one settings than attempting to network. Consider your own strengths and weaknesses and do what’s sustainable for you in the long run.

Mentorship opportunities have been so valuable for me, both as a mentor and mentee. I keep an eye out for calls, mostly on Instagram/Akimbo. My advice here is if you have a question, ask it! Most artists/curators that I’ve reached out to have been generous with their knowledge. I’ve also received messages from artists curious about getting into murals and I’m always happy to hear it, and happy to help where I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yenlinhthai.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yenlinh.thai/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yenlinhthai

Image Credits

Jimmy Limit and Mila Bright