We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yuyi Si. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yuyi below.
Alright, Yuyi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
The pandemic hit while I was in school, bringing uncertainties and questions, which posed challenges and prompted us to reflect on art and design. I was working on the design of an exhibition for our department during that time. Our team implemented the proposal by utilizing the museum’s windows for display and incorporating reflective materials and existing outdoor fixtures to expand the venue. These integrated pedestrian experiences into the theme as well, immersing the audience in self-reflection and contemplation.
We came up with the idea because professional learning experience encouraged us to thoroughly understand context during the creative process. My final assignment for a studio course in grad school was also a practice on this concept — Each of us planned the content of our own exhibition under the theme of future animal exhibition, and I chose the topic of Wildlife in Rhode Island Habitats. When I discovered our assigned venue was the lobby of a library, I aimed for this proposal to go beyond traditional education and take full advantage of the site. So I came up with the idea of integrating nature education into the existing interior design and functionality of the library.
The entire space incorporated holographic and live-cam technology to link interactions throughout. The functions of the lobby level were assigned with different educational themes based on the actual geographical locations of the habitats. In the coast-themed reading room, quiet reading is encouraged for the observation of marine life, while loud noises scare them away. Similarly, videos of wildlife activities would show up in the forest-themed lobby when people observed from a distance, while getting too close could lead to missed opportunities. Additionally, in the wetland-themed study room, people could acquire knowledge from books while also caring for and feeding birds on a daily basis.
We may eventually reach a day where no technology is not possible, but creativity will always be discovered through exploration. I want to continue carrying this responsibility and mindset into my post-school practices.
Yuyi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My academic background and personal interests shape and define who I am. I studied Environmental Design during my undergrad years, then shifted my focus to exhibition and museum during my graduate studies while working at the RISD Museum and within my department. Later, I continued my journey in the field of interior design. In the meantime, my passion for drawing and performing arts shaped my personality， enhancing my sensitivity to aesthetics and my ability for empathy. In addition, visualization also plays a significant role in my design approach. Aesthetics not only create appealing projects visually but also serve as an essential tool for communication during the process. My artistic training gives me confidence in facilitating better communication for project development and implementation.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I aim for my creation to serve as a bridge for translation and communication. Conceptually, I want to be a storyteller, where storytelling goes beyond conveying information and functionality; it extends into a broader realm of making an interdisciplinary tangible statement.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Pursuing a creative path rewards me with a life of contemplation and reflection, and friends who truly understand your notion. It’s my fortune that I maintain connections with some of the most talented people from my school days and witness their growth on the creative path. Take Junyu Lin, for example, her portfolio now includes the publication of picture books with an annual sales record exceeding 30,000 copies, and numerous recognitions in international illustration awards; I also met Xuan Cheng, who is now a data visualization designer and the lead editorial designer behind Cherryfruit Communication, establishing the company as one of the most renowned queer novel publishers in Macao. We started our friendship because of our love for art back in our carefree school days. As we support each other on the way to exploring what we are today and in the future, the exchange of ideas not only broadens my creative toolkit but also continues to enrich my perspectives on life.
Contact Info:
- Website: yuyisi.net
Image Credits
My photo was taken by Flynn Jungbin Byun