Meet Yanwen Li | Artist & Painter

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

Hi Yanwen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Creating art allows me to fully concentrate and engage in deep self-reflection, which are the main reasons I aspire to be an artist. Through this focused perspective, I aim to interpret and express my view of the world in my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Plants are the primary inspiration for my art. They leave an “empty” impression on me, surpassing anything else and allowing me to envision them without constraint. They grow and change, resonating with my heart beyond any rules, guided solely by my feelings. Even though I cannot control them, they exist naturally, symbolizing the unconscious.

For medium, I started creating mineral pigment paintings in 2023. Before that, I studied illustration in college. This art medium is derived from Chinese wall art and Japanese Nihonga. The techniques are complex, and learning them on my own has been quite challenging. One person who deserves mention is Lianyang, a painter who brought many skills from Japan and Dunhuang. I have learned a lot from her.
I’ve also had some unsuccessful experiences during the learning process, such as pigments falling off and clay boards breaking. Many experiments are needed. However, surprises often occur in this medium, revealing unique textures that are difficult to replicate. Each mineral has its own characteristics, creating various details such as transparency and mesh number, which affect color and texture. Overlaying these materials results in intricate textures. Viewing these paintings in person is very different from seeing photos, as the textures always connect to nature.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will bring them to Kaifeng, where I grew up. My hometown is rich in ancient Chinese landscapes and architecture, and it also has a laid-back, down-to-earth local lifestyle. So I will definitely take them to see the delicate architecture, observing the attraction details on it, and know the unique Song dynasty. Enjoy a luxurious breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. Then, we’ll visit the garden to observe nature, where locals gather with their birds and engage in small talk.

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?
My mother supports me greatly. She always encourages me to pursue anything I want and believes in my ability to do it, she gave me much power to stick to my dream being a painter. She often tells me that difficulties are a normal part of life, but they will pass and become valuable experiences. She advises me to be brave and just start.

Instagram: yyeyiii_

Other: Redbook: 叶奕

Image Credits
@Yanwen Li
@Luna Lv