Meet Yanqing Pei | Artist

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

Hi Yanqing, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Pursuing a career in the arts provides me with a means of perceiving the world and establishing a connection with my environment. The creative process has been beneficial to my capacity for self- awareness. In primary school, I joined a number of interest groups. The drawing group was the only one I was able to participate in consistently over time. I could concentrate for hours on my drawing board without becoming bored. I attended art school as an undergraduate, and from that point on, I have immersed myself in the art world and taken art creation as a vocation seriously. I had a lot of fun, learned to be receptive to hearing other perspectives, and had opportunities to collaborate with brilliant fellows. I was able to push my limits and develop a good feeling of self-worth as a result of the obstacles and adversity. My existence consists of the creation of art.

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.
In the past three years, I’ve mostly concentrated on painting on canvas utilizing a variety of mediums. During my master’s study at the Pratt Institute, I was also exposed to ceramic sculptures and silk screen prints. My paintings are focused on the connection and integration between humans and their natural surroundings. I had resided in a region surrounded by hills. I enjoyed spending time in the hills, watching and interacting with nature. I am fascinated by the interconnectedness and interdependence of living things within a complicated and chaotic totality. In my paintings, I aim to capture a meditative atmosphere in which various interactions occur: human figures, mountains, stones, plants, and animals form a symbiotic relationship—the outline of a figure transforms into a ridge line or grows into the shape of a horse; a concrete form transforms into a cloud-like mass or spreads out in fragments, blending with the others.

Through my art, I hope to convey the chaotic yet harmonious views of connections and communications between humans and their environment, and between words and imaginations.

If I had something to be proud of, it would be my dedication and determination in pursuing my artistic ambitions. It is essential to maintain an open mind and a constant desire to learn in this sector. The capacity to seize opportunities is equally significant. My work was displayed globally in the United States, China, and France, where it was recognized and chosen by a number of galleries and art institutions. I’m thankful that these opportunities allowed me to meet and speak with a diverse group of individuals. One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that any opportunity given should be cherished, but that most of the time we must take initiative and create opportunities for ourselves. I achieved a great deal as a result of artist calls for submissions, including exhibition chances and an art award. In the end, the concept of everything is to remain focused on the present and resilient.

what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would recommend the Noguchi museum, which is one of my favorite locations in Long Island City, New York. It was designed by the Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi. It has both indoor galleries and an outdoor garden. The museum is a wonderful place to appreciate the beauty of Noguchi’s sculptures and find tranquility amid the city. Also, I would accompany my friend to a stand-up comedy performance. Recently, I was introduced to stand-up comedy and found it to be quite interesting. It is a fantastic opportunity to hear the experiences of people from all backgrounds. The environment is responsive and receptive. The lower east side of Manhattan, where there are numerous bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries, would also be an excellent choice.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my gratitude to my parents. My parents are both professionals in the art field, and their passion and expertise had a profound impact on me when I was a child. I enjoy discussing my artistic progress and thoughts with them. They are industrious and meticulous individuals who are able to manage their job and personal lives, which motivates me much. They have always been supportive, understanding, and willing to listen to me throughout my life’s various stages. They make me feel cared for and valued; therefore, I want to return the favor to them and to others. I am also very blessed to have met so many lovely people, and I would like to express my appreciation to each and every one. Their exceptional talents, kind assistance, and real counsel are what keep me going.

Website: www.yanqingpei.com

Instagram: @theepenpen

Image Credits
Yanqing Pei and Federico Savini