We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanne Y.T. Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne Y.T., what makes you happy? Why?
When I was a child, I had a lot of solitary moments. During these times, I could always easily find interesting things to do by myself: it might be making a card, a beaded bracelet, an intricate origami piece, or a scrapbooking project. Immersing myself in the world of crafting always made me happy. In those moments, I truly believed I was a magician, about to create something unique from the materials in my hands, and make myself proud. As I shared my creations with family and friends, their reactions and appreciation made me realize the irreplaceable value of handmade crafts. I knew that crafting would be a lifelong passion for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

When I was younger, one day, I stumbled upon a poem that resonated deeply with me. It went like this: “A girl sipping red wine/ As it rains and music starts to play/ Escort her to the top of the Eiffel Tower / Have her to write postcards to people all around the world/ Just like a bird, singing from the highest peak with a crystal-clear voice.” I was pondering that if one can have “writing postcards to the world” as an occupation, I would be the perfect candidate for this delightful endeavor.

Over the years, I have consistently sent postcards and seasonal greetings to my friends and family. Initially, I would purchase these cards from stationery or souvenir shops. However, I later discovered that a handmade card can convey so much more love and gratitude that words alone cannot express. So I began crafting my own cards. Some might argue, “Why invest so much time in something as ephemeral as a handmade card?” However, as my Instagram account, 3MINUTESINLOVE, implies, it might take only three minutes for someone to receive, to read the card and capture the heartfelt intention behind it. Yet, these tiny bits of kindness can linger in a person’s heart for a very long time. Perhaps it will bring hope to someone at a time when they need strength.

My passion for art began with handmade cards. From there, I started to learn about stamps, inks, watercolors, acrylic paints…. I didn’t confine myself to a specific medium or method; instead, I relished the exploration of various creative avenues, from linocut and printmaking, collaging, letterpress, paper crafting to digital illustrations. Influenced by Japanese stationery culture, Washi tape has become one of my favorite materials to incorporate in my work. They are fun and colorful, and give the image a fresh look. In the words of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, an artist I greatly admire, “An artist is an explorer.” I was and still am happy on this exploratory journey. Though my work may not involve elaborate techniques or special materials, it undeniably emanates from the depths of my heart.

My ongoing project is presented through linocut (a printmaking technique that involves carving a design into a sheet of linoleum and using it to make prints). Drawing inspiration from nature and the spirit of Mother Earth, I let the simplicity and fluidity of my strokes speak for themselves. Each print emerges with its unique burst of colors. Additionally, printing on antique book page imparts an extra layer of texture and an aura of ancient wisdom to the pieces.

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?
It’s been nearly a decade since I relocated to the United States. Over these years, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting visits for several friends and family members from Taiwan in Los Angeles. I made sure to introduce them to some of my favorite activities and local spots in the area. Here are a few of the memorable things we experienced together:

Visiting the farmer’s market at Ivar/Selma Avenue in Hollywood is a Sunday morning tradition I cherish. This place exudes lively energy, offering a bounty of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and dairy products from local farmers. With a variety of street food options and live music, it’s the ideal way to kickstart the day. Afterward, taking a stroll around the neighborhood to soak in some Hollywood vibes is the perfect follow-up.

Exploring Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) offers a plethora of exciting activities. Notably, the architecture, including iconic landmarks like the Disney Concert Hall, the historic Bradbury Building, and Union Station, is truly worth exploring. For those interested in Mexican culture and cuisine, Olvera Street, as the city’s oldest section, provides a great starting point.

Horseback riding at Zuma Ranch offers a remarkable experience – a 60-90 minute journey alongside the majestic and gentle creatures. During the blooming season, the valley comes alive with vibrant colors, and the view from the mountain top is nothing short of spectacular. This adventure is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Following your ranch escapade, a leisurely drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and a visit to Santa Monica Beach offer a tranquil and laid-back experience. There, you can witness a mesmerizing sunset, dine by the seaside, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visiting Universal Studios is almost a must for anyone visiting the United States from abroad. While it may not be the definitive way to immerse oneself in American culture, it does offer a captivating glimpse into the world of moviemaking, a fascination many of us have had since childhood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shoutout to my beloved family and friends for their invaluable support and encouragement, which has kept me on the path of creativity with no worries.

A heartfelt shoutout to the wonderful people within the crafty community in the State. They are not only passionate about their craft but also strong advocates who believe that by sharing kindness with the world through handmade creations, we can make the world a better place. Jennifer McGuire is one of these beautiful souls who not only inspires me greatly in card making but also serves as a example of how we can pursue our passions and benefit others at the same time.

Website: 3minutesinlove.com

Instagram: 3minutesinlove

Image Credits
Y.T. Huang

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