Artist Spotlight
Andy Yao Art
Andy Yao creates beautiful drawings of the simple joys in life... Wait a minute, that’s magical realism! I love that Andy Yao infuses a subtle fantastical element into each drawing that makes the viewer appreciate something they might have missed if they did not look closer. I feel honored to share Andy Yao’s work and hearing his thoughts on art. Thank You, Andy.
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Andy Yao Hungarian Moustache B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
1. Who are your biggest artistic influences?
(Vincent Van Gogh, Charmaine Olivia, Jel Ena, Gustav Klimt?)
Turn of the century artists; Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, French and English academics i.e. Lawrence Alma Tadema; Klimt, Mucha, Modigliani. Also Italian Renaissance artists. A few contemporary artists such as Guillermo Lorca & Roberto Ferri who synthesize similar periods. Daniel Merriam's architectural drawings.
2. What is your favorite art medium?
(Photography, Paint, Pencils, Pastels, Musical instrument, etc…)
Watercolour and ink combo is the most liberating.
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Andy Yao
Cosmic Cat B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
3. What inspires and motivates you to create?
(Emotions, experiences, other people's art, going to an art store, etc.)
The abundance of thoughts that need an outlet; and the beauty and healing that art brings into the world.
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Andy Yao
Virgin of the Pansies B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
4. Do you have an art routine?
(Every Saturday morning? Late at night when everyone is asleep?)
Very sporadic work routine--streaks of hyperfocus and productivity with periods of rest and complete disconnection.
5. What value does art provide to the world?
It brings beauty, thoughtfulness, and healing into the world. It is also valuable in and of itself without any purpose.
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Andy Yao
Absurdist Theatre B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
6. If you experience a creative block, how do you overcome it?
(Visit a museum? Take a walk? Social Media Break?)
I try to step away and do something different. I also get a lot of inspiration from friends and what other artists are doing/have done.
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Andy Yao
Farewell Soirée B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
7. What is your favorite quote about art?
(There are so many!;)
"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." Twyla Tharp
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Andy Yao
Sunday in the Park B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour and ink on paper 2023 |
8. What would your art dream project be?
(Create Street Art? Collaborate with a fav artist? Sketch one fav piece in all the museums in the world!)
A massive mural of my best work on a wall in NYC.
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Andy Yao
Pilrig Park, Edinburgh B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour and ink on paper 2023 |
9. What would be the dream art patron?
(Beyonce? Prince Harry? Elon Musk?)
The Contemporary wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Andy Yao
Wallace Monument, Scottish Borders B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour and ink on paper 2023 |
10. Is there an art medium that you would like to learn one day?
(Film a movie? Oil Painting? Sing?)
Sculpture.
11. Do you have any rituals to get you in the mood to create?
(For instance: Lighting a candle and playing your favorite music? A certain time of day?)
Meditation helps to slow down the racing thoughts and focus on the idea at the forefront. Also meeting up with art communities and drawing together usually gives me a boost.
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Andy Yao
Sacro Monte di Varese, Italy B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic and ink on paper 2023 |
12. What is an art hack that you learned or discovered that was a game changer in your art practice?
(For instance: Using cornstarch to improve cheap paint quality if on a budget. Using a scale divider to achieve accurate proportions in a drawing. Take progressive photos of your painting to see if you're achieving what you want. Old paint brushes to get interesting textures. etc.)
The art 'hack' is not judging your own work and letting go of what people might think, or how it'll sell, or what it's trying to say, etc. etc. and simply loving the act of creating.
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Andy Yao
Berliner Dom Diptych B4 90lbs Paper Watercolour, acrylic, and ink on paper 2023 |
13. Tell us about the art you create and what you want to achieve with it.
(For instance: To relax? Art activism? To make someone smile?)
Artist Statement
Contact Andy Yao Art if you are interested in purchasing a piece, commission, or to follow him:
Artist Contact Info
IG: @andyyao.art
Email: tidingsforandrew@gmail.com
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