Meet Yue long | Art Student & Carpe Diem Organization Chief Executive Officer

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

Hi Yue, why did you pursue a creative career?
For a variety of reasons, including the urge to express oneself, the need to communicate ideas and feelings that are hard to put into words, and the drive to experiment and develop in new media, artists are frequently drawn to the creative process. I get a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose from art. It enables me to establish deep connections with others in ways that stark text cannot match. I believe that the impact and understanding that art can evoke are irreplaceable by words alone. Art can be any act, object, or video; it is inherently diverse and colorful.

Moreover, engaging in artistic activities can serve as a means to challenge oneself, reflect on the human condition, and make unique contributions to cultural and societal discourse. This aligns with my initial thoughts. People find it simpler to understand and relate to social concerns when they are exposed to and represented via artistic expression. Through the creative transformation of intricate ideas into visually or emotionally captivating forms, art surpasses conventional barriers to communication, facilitating a more profound and compassionate comprehension of the surrounding environment. The ability of art to alter not only improves the lives of individuals but also fosters a more thoughtful and reflective society.

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.
Growing up in China and being deeply familiar with its culture has profoundly influenced my artistic works, which are imbued with a multicultural perspective. Through my art, I strive to explore and express individual identity and transitions within different cultural interactions. I particularly focus on integrating Eastern and Western elements, creating works that not only have global appeal but also tell personal stories with societal themes. I take great pride in my ability to help people understand and appreciate cultural diversity through my art. The moments when viewers find resonance or new perspectives in my work are incredibly fulfilling for me.

When facing challenges, I often seek advice from peers and mentors or engage with professionals from various fields. I attend seminars and workshops to improve my abilities, or I occasionally focus my energies on other endeavors like volunteer work in the community, which might cause me to become inspired unexpectedly. Overcoming challenges requires keeping an open mind and a commitment to keep learning.

The most significant thing I’ve learned is to trust my imagination and to be loyal to who I am. Art is an expression, and the most authentic voices often resonate the most. In addition to my artwork, I hope that the world will see the feelings and narratives that go into each piece. My mission is to demonstrate the strength and beauty of variety through art by acting as a bridge between many cultures and people. I aim to use my work and actions to help more people from various backgrounds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Downtown LA
Morning: Start with breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe, a historic diner that’s been serving Angelenos since 1924.
Midday: Visit The Broad Museum for contemporary art and take a walk around the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Afternoon: Lunch at Grand Central Market. Try food from different stalls, such as Eggslut or Sarita’s Pupuseria.
Evening: Head to the rooftop bar at The Standard Hotel for drinks with a view of the downtown skyline.
Day 2: Hollywood
Morning: Breakfast at Musso & Frank Grill to soak in some old Hollywood glamour.
Midday: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit TCL Chinese Theatre, and explore the Hollywood Museum.
Afternoon: Grab a casual lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs, an LA staple.
Evening: See a show at the Hollywood Bowl or catch a movie in the Dome at ArcLight Cinemas.
Day 3: Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Morning: Start with brunch at the Ivy at the Shore for ocean views.
Midday: Bike ride from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach. Explore the shops, street performers, and the skate park.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach or try surfing lessons.
Evening: Dinner at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Blvd, followed by drinks at High Rooftop Lounge in Venice.
Day 4: Griffith Park and Los Feliz
Morning: Hike up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views and explore the exhibits inside.
Midday: Lunch at Little Dom’s in Los Feliz.
Afternoon: Visit the LA Zoo or the Autry Museum of the American West.
Evening: Catch a movie at the vintage Vista Theatre.
Day 5: Beverly Hills and West Hollywood
Morning: Coffee and pastries at Urth Caffé, followed by shopping on Rodeo Drive.
Midday: Tour the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Afternoon: Grab a bite at The Grove, then relax at the nearby La Brea Tar Pits.
Evening: Dinner at SUR Restaurant, owned by reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump, and maybe some bar-hopping in West Hollywood.
Day 6: Pasadena and Glendale
Morning: Breakfast at Euro Pane Bakery in Pasadena.
Midday: Explore the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Afternoon: Visit the Norton Simon Museum.
Evening: Dinner in Glendale at Raffi’s Place for Middle Eastern cuisine.
Day 7: Culver City and Malibu
Morning: Start with breakfast at Jackson Market in Culver City.
Midday: Tour the historic Sony Pictures Studios.
Afternoon: Drive up to Malibu and have lunch at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market and Patio Cafe.
Evening: Watch the sunset from El Matador Beach and have a farewell dinner at Nobu Malibu if you want to splurge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The “Carpe Diem” sociological student organization has been a significant support system in my life, primarily serving the overseas Asian student community. Founded in 2021 by students at Pasadena City College, this organization aims to help students forge friendships, adapt to new living environments, and engage in volunteer work to benefit society. In 2023, I took over as the Chief Executive Officer of Carpe Diem, driven by a vision to expand our reach to more schools. I am deeply grateful for the support from the organization’s president and members, who have been instrumental in mentoring and guiding new members during our expansion. Their steadfast support has enabled me to pursue and achieve greater objectives. Today, we have established branches at the University of California, Merced, and the University of California, Los Angeles, gaining some recognition among student organizations in the Los Angeles area. It is more accurate to say that the people within the organization have greatly assisted me, and together, we have achieved mutual success. It is thanks to their support and help that I have been able to move forward confidently.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica21_l?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yue-long-482126308

Image Credits
Yue Long