In her body of work, melding her past experiences and passion together, Young creates abstract paintings using paper – combining elements from art, design, and craft. Technique and process are key as she unearths the essence of a particular theme, an emotion or an idea by peeling away colored paper that was first meticulously built up, applied, layered, and dried. As an artist, Young explores the concept of excavation and unearthing. In particular, she is inspired by the process of peeling and removing intricate layers in order to reveal what is underneath and between. She compares this process of unearthing very much akin to our lives, experiences, emotions, and most importantly, us at our core, as we are composites of different and complicated layers and that the truth is often hidden behind. Through the use of color and texture, she shines light on the beauty, the complexity, and depth that lie above and beneath. Young resides in the San Francisco Bay Area where she works as a full-time painter.
Published on May 25th, 2021. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What hurdles have you overcome this year and how have they affected your art practice?
Using singular medium - paper - I've noticed a certain level of frustration and limitation in my practice. To overcome these hurdles, I've had to become more dynamic and flexible in terms of my "ripping" style and direction with paper. For example, instead of ripping and peeling paper in one direction, I've become adapted and experimented with ripping them both ways - horizontally and vertically. Layering techniques also evolved as I started experimenting with different length of drying time with different number of layers of paper as well. Although the general feel and idea of my body of work have stayed the same, more expansive and diverse techniques have been implemented this year. using paper only as a main medium definitely challenged me in a variety of ways, but also helped me stay focused in my practice. In general, it's been a very rewarding year precisely due to these challenges.
How has your art practice been affected by the pandemic?
First, it's been challenging procuring materials as several art stores have either temporarily or even permanently closed down. Looking for particular paper or glue has been challenging since the materials were running thin or even completely out of stock. In order to get to the particular color palette once the surface is dried and varnished, I needed to get a particular paper, but it was not as easy to purchase them once the pandemic occurred. In addition, finding a platform to show art was difficult to find as galleries ceased to having exhibitions. Even if they were willing to show, shipping my work was not as flexible and easy as before. Online galleries continued to operate and online sales forums operated as well. However, I noticed sales were definitely down and finding physical shows and exhibitions were almost impossible to find. We're slowly easing into showing, but as many artists, I'm finding myself still hesitant to show at this point.
What support systems have you put in place to help keep your practice thriving amidst these unforeseeable circumstances?
I think connecting with other fellow artists definitely helps - even if it is just through online. There are also online forums I continue to sell my work and operate through in order to promote and market my work. However, I find that it really isn't the same. I feel that art needs to be seen and felt in real life. With COVID, it is extremely difficult to have an open space to show art work and engage with visitors and buyers. Mostly, I engage through online galleries and sales venues. Without these sources and outlets, I think this period of time would have been extremely difficult for me as well as many artists. I also engage with buyers and visitors directly through my website and email exchanges. Despite the pandemic, I still receive purchasing inquiries via my website as well as other art sites I sell my work through for which I feel incredibly lucky and thankful.
What methods do you employ to stay resilient in your art practice? What tips would you recommend to other artists who find staying resilient difficult?
My day starts with a cup of coffee and I head to my studio at 9am as if I'm going to the office. I have tried waiting for sudden "inspiration" to somehow magically arrive at my door, but it just doesn't happen. I work from 9-5 everyday, no matter what. I'm in the studio during that time and I create as that is my work. I feel that my best work comes through just working at the craft everyday. If there is someone who is struggling with his/her creativity, I would recommend to just go to work for 8-9 hours a day instead of waiting for the magic to happen. I think this concept of artist being some kind of genius is overrated. The idea about 10,000 hour rule also applies to artists and not just other professionals. I'm sure there are always exceptions, but I think that rule definitely applies in my case.
What have you learned about yourself as an artist this year?
This year was definitely interesting and challenging; I just never imagined this pandemic would take over our lives like this. It just happened so all of a sudden, and most of us have never experienced anything like this that I think I'm still in awe and shock of all things that are panning out and unfolding everyday. What I learned the most from this experience is that resilience is important, but flexibility is also a huge part of it and that determination alone does not make it through - particularly in this unprecedented time. In my practice, I would like to stay flexible and resilient without being brittle and bitter. My biggest lesson this year is that we cannot predict the future and that nothing ever lasts; so, stay focused but stay flexible, and just flow and stay light and light hearted. I just want to be content and joyous with my creativity through it all.
What hurdles have you overcome this year and how have they affected your art practice?
Using singular medium - paper - I've noticed a certain level of frustration and limitation in my practice. To overcome these hurdles, I've had to become more dynamic and flexible in terms of my "ripping" style and direction with paper. For example, instead of ripping and peeling paper in one direction, I've become adapted and experimented with ripping them both ways - horizontally and vertically. Layering techniques also evolved as I started experimenting with different length of drying time with different number of layers of paper as well. Although the general feel and idea of my body of work have stayed the same, more expansive and diverse techniques have been implemented this year. using paper only as a main medium definitely challenged me in a variety of ways, but also helped me stay focused in my practice. In general, it's been a very rewarding year precisely due to these challenges.
How has your art practice been affected by the pandemic?
First, it's been challenging procuring materials as several art stores have either temporarily or even permanently closed down. Looking for particular paper or glue has been challenging since the materials were running thin or even completely out of stock. In order to get to the particular color palette once the surface is dried and varnished, I needed to get a particular paper, but it was not as easy to purchase them once the pandemic occurred. In addition, finding a platform to show art was difficult to find as galleries ceased to having exhibitions. Even if they were willing to show, shipping my work was not as flexible and easy as before. Online galleries continued to operate and online sales forums operated as well. However, I noticed sales were definitely down and finding physical shows and exhibitions were almost impossible to find. We're slowly easing into showing, but as many artists, I'm finding myself still hesitant to show at this point.
What support systems have you put in place to help keep your practice thriving amidst these unforeseeable circumstances?
I think connecting with other fellow artists definitely helps - even if it is just through online. There are also online forums I continue to sell my work and operate through in order to promote and market my work. However, I find that it really isn't the same. I feel that art needs to be seen and felt in real life. With COVID, it is extremely difficult to have an open space to show art work and engage with visitors and buyers. Mostly, I engage through online galleries and sales venues. Without these sources and outlets, I think this period of time would have been extremely difficult for me as well as many artists. I also engage with buyers and visitors directly through my website and email exchanges. Despite the pandemic, I still receive purchasing inquiries via my website as well as other art sites I sell my work through for which I feel incredibly lucky and thankful.
What methods do you employ to stay resilient in your art practice? What tips would you recommend to other artists who find staying resilient difficult?
My day starts with a cup of coffee and I head to my studio at 9am as if I'm going to the office. I have tried waiting for sudden "inspiration" to somehow magically arrive at my door, but it just doesn't happen. I work from 9-5 everyday, no matter what. I'm in the studio during that time and I create as that is my work. I feel that my best work comes through just working at the craft everyday. If there is someone who is struggling with his/her creativity, I would recommend to just go to work for 8-9 hours a day instead of waiting for the magic to happen. I think this concept of artist being some kind of genius is overrated. The idea about 10,000 hour rule also applies to artists and not just other professionals. I'm sure there are always exceptions, but I think that rule definitely applies in my case.
What have you learned about yourself as an artist this year?
This year was definitely interesting and challenging; I just never imagined this pandemic would take over our lives like this. It just happened so all of a sudden, and most of us have never experienced anything like this that I think I'm still in awe and shock of all things that are panning out and unfolding everyday. What I learned the most from this experience is that resilience is important, but flexibility is also a huge part of it and that determination alone does not make it through - particularly in this unprecedented time. In my practice, I would like to stay flexible and resilient without being brittle and bitter. My biggest lesson this year is that we cannot predict the future and that nothing ever lasts; so, stay focused but stay flexible, and just flow and stay light and light hearted. I just want to be content and joyous with my creativity through it all.
Find Young Shin on Instagram