Meet Sisi Yu | Artist&Illustrator

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

Hi Sisi, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
How has balance changed over time

My balance has changed like a rollercoaster on an exciting, mysterious journey. There are always ups and downs and chaotic moments where I need to find the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a constant seek, struggle and experiment; there is always the fear of missing out, and the thinking of grass is always greener on the other side. However, I’m always on track and moving forward.

As a fresh grad school graduate, it feels much more liberating because there is no more pressure from schoolwork. Especially from a creative point of view, seeing friends’ real-life achievements makes me impatient, and now I’m finally there! Before I enjoyed the fresh air of the libration from school, a new strain wave emerged. Now that I have to be an adult and keep myself financially stable, I realize there is less time for my creative work practice, not to mention the following health issues due to negligence. The balance is off. I missed the time and the creative freedom I had when I was in school. Even though it was not easy, I kept myself on track, and I realized back then that the only way to keep the balance was to prioritize and be present. I decided to hone my craft and focus on my work instead of comparing myself to others and being FOMO. As prioritizing plays a role, I had extra time to take commission and keep up with the creative current, so I could be more prepared before entering the real world. Therefore, I am where I am; I found balance within chaos. The situation is different, and I’m still figuring out the new balance. However, the essence stays the same; only the challenge elevates, and I am more experienced and more at ease facing them.

How do I think about the balance?
I think the balance is constant seeking, prioritization, and being present.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have lived in New York City for the past seven years and studied illustration at the School of visual arts. I love street culture. Much of my inspiration comes from meeting diverse people and learning about their experiences by having a good conversation about their daily life and finding unique funky graphics on the street.

Growing up in a small city in China, there were limited experiences in terms of diversity and openness to street culture. Having experienced both cultural backgrounds has formed my unique perspective of understanding the world. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind the now-and-then New York street art scene and its diverse esthetics. Especially the unapologetic New Yorker fashion and lifestyle attitude from the past and present is captivating to me.

My art comes from an in-between perspective of observations and experiences living in New York City. I often found myself lost in between cultures, and the instinct to connect and collect my artistic knowledge and experience with American culture has been a unique voice I’m seeking, just like new york city, a collective of voices and a melting pot.

In my artistic practice, the diversity of the urban streets and the convergence between the digital world and our physical reality have heavily influenced my work. Predominantly, I translate my work using digital media to adapt to the fast-paced commercial world. However, the intention of creating tangible pieces in the traditional format has always been crucial to my art journey. Therefore, every element of my digital work came from my love of experimenting and messing around with my sketchbook.

I’m currently working as a freelance illustrator in Brooklyn, New York. I have worked with the New York Times, The New Yorker, The New York magazine, Harper Collins, The Penguin random house, artist collaboration with Sephora X Women Who Draw, and Musicians. Getting where I’m at is undoubtedly not easy; just like so many other creatives and illustrators, it is a lifelong journey, and I am still practicing and learning every day. The major challenge I’m encountering is balancing the commercial work demand, my practice, and the change in my style. I ask myself constantly whether I have been subconsciously taken away by the trend and forgotten my original intention of creation for the sake of form. However, the intention of creating tangible pieces in the traditional format has always been a goal of my art practice, and I hope one day I can explore and marry both, along with seeking my unique voice.

The lesson I have learned is to be present, believe I’m lucky, never compare myself to others, and accept my work of paste; constantly asking myself why and what my intention is to create; Giving my best effort to everything, and making each day count.

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?
First thing first, The streets of New York! Especially the lower east side of new york, Chinatown, and the east village. Many beautiful street arts, funky graphics, fun local vintage shops, and good eats exist. For shops, I loved the cobblestone, Tokyo 7, L train vintage, and you can always find good fashion gems and have a little random fun chat with the fun native new yorker on the streets. If you love Chinese Asian food, you should totally check out Boky (Best marinated duck over rice), Taiwan pork chop house ( the popcorn chicken and Taiwanese ice dessert are AMAZING), Jing Fong ( authentic dim sum on the big round rotatable table) if you love spicy food Spicy Village, Spicy Moon, and Sichuan mountain house is for sure a must try. last but not least for art lovers, you have to go to the metropolitan museum of art. If you love books, check out the printed matter in Chelsea, there are also great galleries in the areas like David Zwiener, Gagosian, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Highline park for the view!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shout-out to Marshall Arisman my MFA Chair. Marshall was an extraordinary storyteller, an inspiring soul, a magical person who motivated me so much, and my lifetime mentor. I feel so horned and blessed to be in his last class, like so many of his students, I am forever grateful and would not be where I am without his wisdom, guidance, and infinite kindness. I will never forget when Marshall taught me how to read the aura and explain its philosophy; when He picked up my panic call and told me:” whenever you feel overwhelmed and are not accepted, go out, take a walk, and hug a tree.”

Website: https://sisiyuart.com/

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