Meet Yiming Si | PICSI Production Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yiming Si and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yiming, how does your business help the community?
I believe that every type of medium contributes to the core, which is the message that individuals wish to convey. We make advertisements, short films, and documentaries. Regarding films, we have collaborated with a large number of talented young directors, and it has been our responsibility to visualize their stories, materialize their concepts, and disseminate their message. We value the ideas of these youthful creators and assist them in amplifying their voice. In addition, we collaborate with individuals who sacrifice everything for their dreams, such as Shaoyi Che, a professional racing driver who participated in this year’s GT World Challenge America by producing documentary series. There are numerous aspiring young drivers seeking for an opportunity to demonstrate their ability, and we would love to introduce them to the world through media exposure. There will be more brands, communities, and individuals collaborating with us, and we’re excited to produce more content in which our ideas intertwine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistic focus centers on film photography within the realm of practicing arts. Recently, I’ve expanded my creative horizons by incorporating performance into my work, exploring themes of endurance and the devotion of time to evoke intimate connections. The malleability of photography and its inherent spontaneity guide my artistic process. The subtle emotions coursing through my images in both projects solidify non-linear narratives of intimacy and the intricate interplay between loss and existence. My approach involves an intuitive capture of photos followed by in-depth investigation, encompassing categorization, sequencing, color grading, and printing. I meticulously examine ordinary objects, transforming these trivialities into vessels for my emotions.

Central to my work is Pinklemonade, characterized by muted color tones that infuse a coherent tenderness. Diverse mediums, such as rice paper imprinted with my poetry, Polaroid, and wax, are chosen purposefully for their vulnerability and impermanence, encapsulating my sentiments while retaining a delicate transparency. Amid a world inundated with imagery, I constantly query my motivation for producing more images, particularly since many may languish in digital obscurity. This awareness propels me to commit to film photography, despite its inherent challenges. The discipline of shooting film compels thoughtful contemplation before exposure, imbuing each shot with significance. Embracing large format cameras and chromatic films affords optimal resolution and exquisite colors, facilitating the creation of prints that exude quality, size, and intricate detail. This technique, in part, stands as my rebuttal to the digital realm, reinforcing my authentic passion for the tangible world and my resolve to create meaningful and enduring art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I take great delight in inviting my friends over to my apartment and extending a warm welcome for them to stay. My profound enthusiasm for coffee is evident in the comprehensive café bar I’ve curated at home, complete with an espresso machine, grinder, and all the essentials for crafting cold brews, pour-overs, and a variety of hot and iced coffee creations. Whenever they show interest, I love introducing my friends to diverse coffee experiences, from single origin to blended beans, as well as the spectrum of light to dark roasts. We often cook meals together in my kitchen, featuring some of my chef’s specialties like sweet and sour pork ribs and beef stew. Beyond the comforts of my home, I enjoy taking them to visit friends’ restaurants such as Chef Zhao Kitchen in Palo Alto, a cherished spot for authentic Shanghai cuisine.

For those passionate about cars, I have an array of car enthusiasts to introduce, and together we can embark on a scenic drive along the iconic Highway 9, reveling in breathtaking mountain views. And for those with an appreciation for art and creativity, our outings might include visits to renowned art museums like SF MOMA and De Young, along with explorations of artists’ studios in the vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood. My aim is to provide my friends with a diverse range of experiences, catering to their interests and ensuring every moment is enriched with camaraderie and enjoyment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I hold deep gratitude for all those who brighten my days, particularly my parents and girlfriend, as they have stood by me unwaveringly, offering support without seeking anything in return. My upbringing has been molded by the boundless and unspoken affection from my parents. A heartfelt acknowledgment also goes out to my colleagues and friends who have placed their trust in me and wholeheartedly embraced my endeavors. Their dedication and belief in me have been essential in shaping my achievements, and I recognize that without their contributions, I wouldn’t have attained what I have.

Website: yimingsi.com/picsiproduction.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiming_si/