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

Yi, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I find immense joy in being an artist. While pursuing a career as an artist may seem nebulous and unconvincing to many, it demands a significant investment of time and effort. The results of hard work in this field are often subtle and gradual, visible only to the artists themselves over time. As my mentor wisely puts it, “Having one’s art be a daily ritual is a huge part of success for many artists.” When I’m in my art studio, I feel like the happiest person in the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Yi Xu, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to discuss my artwork and journey with you. I am a visual artist based in New York City, currently in my final year pursuing an MFA at the School of Visual Art.

For me, art goes beyond words, serving as a means to capture and convey the invisible energy flow in real life. I transform these intangible elements into visible expressions — lines, colors, and space on canvas and paper by using a variety of mediums, including acrylics, oil sticks, markers, pencils, and more.

My inspiration draws from my experience, memory, objects, sensation, and space. I sense and portray the energy interactions, letting a visceral response flow from my mind through my body to the strokes of my brush. This connection between my inner thoughts and the canvas is more than artistic; it’s a deeply personal practice rooted in my yoga, meditation journey, and profound interest in surrealism.

I like to find the edges between the lines and reside the color in the space that the lines create. My fascination with space stems from my formative years away from family and living abroad. These experiences of not truly belonging in various environments have shaped my ongoing search for a safe space, a theme reflected not only in my life but also in my process of artmaking. The inclination to seek edges metaphorically mirrors my sense of not belonging to major spaces or groups. Instead, I see myself as an outsider, observing the world and playing the main character within my own confined space.

Beyond being a form of artistic expression, the act of creating serves as a healing process for me. And I believe in the power of art, ensuring that my work not only reflects my personal journey but also serves to bring awareness and inspiration to the audience. I am eager to share my unique perspective and collaborate with art peers, remaining open to a wide range of opportunities for artistic exploration.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Regular reflection in my studio is a crucial part of my process. Witnessing all the pieces coming together is a powerful experience, and as they start to communicate with me, there’s a sense of continuity and unexpected discoveries emerging. This, for me, is the most rewarding moment of creating.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Undoubtedly, social media stands out as a crucial and dynamic platform that allows people worldwide to access creators’ work. As artists, there’s often a tendency to feel unprepared to showcase our creations, but I’ve come to realize that the best time is always the present. Actively sharing my work on social media, maintaining a regularly updated website, and building an audience have become essential aspects alongside the creative process, enriching and benefiting my journey. Looking back, I wish I had recognized the value of these resources earlier. Moreover, engaging with fellow artists and actively participating in the community is something I’ve learned to genuinely cherish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yixu.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yixuart/