Meet Yuli Gates | Artist specialising in illustration and printmaking

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

Hi Yuli, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I don’t think I have much of what other people would consider balance, since I work full time in a role where I support people improve their lives and wellbeing through non medical means, I am studying psychotherapy, I volunteer for two charities, and I make art in my ‘spare’ time. I enjoy what I do and all of it gives me a strong sense of meaning and purpose, so I find the time. Even if it’s 10 min a day, I will do my best to create daily.

It changes as I add and finish projects. In the past year I’ve had a few big events with PAR which is one of the charitable organisations I volunteer with, I started studying psychotherapy, and I illustrated a book about dye mushrooms which will be coming out in September this year. I thrive in a bit of chaos, so the busier I am, the more I feel in my element.

When I think about balance I focus on being able to take care of myself no matter what – my sleep, my fitness routine, my diet, they’re massive contributors to my wellbeing, so even if I’m very busy, I try to not let them slip. I am careful about the projects I choose, and I work best in bursts after which I can relax, so I manage to somehow find time both for work and recreation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the world around me. I find joy and fulfillment in creating, exploring new experiences, and being in nature, all of which profoundly influence my work. I’m committed to continuous learning and challenging myself in various artistic mediums, from linocut prints and illustrations to embroidery and sculpting with clay.

My professional journey hasn’t been easy, but embracing discomfort and taking risks have been pivotal. Moving countries twice as an adult and constantly seeking new challenges have shaped my growth as both a person and an artist. When things are hard I try to think of what the process is teaching me, what skills I am gaining, and remind myself to use self compassion and never compare myself to others.

My work stands out because of its connection to nature and mental health. I’m particularly proud of my work on the Mushroom Color Atlas, which is a free educational resource about dye mushrooms. Illustrating pets, especially those that have passed away, holds a special place in my heart, as it connects deeply with people’s emotions. My volunteer work in mental health and wellbeing complements my artistic pursuits, and I aim to integrate art therapy into my psychotherapy practice in the future once I finish my studies and am certified.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The place I live in doesn’t really have much to offer apart from Fenrock, the climbing gym, which is essentially my second home here. It’s also has amazing coffee and I am friends with the owners, who are an amazing couple, and generally superb people. If a friend came to visit me for a week, I’d take them climbing and for coffee at Fenrock, most likely multiple times, then suggest we’ll do trips to nearby cities. Although I live in a small town, it’s surrounded by lovely places to visit. Ely, Cambridge, Norwich, and Sandringham are all a relatively short drive away. I’m more of a ‘eat at home’; type of person, and I make legendary roasts and steaks, so we’ll probably have that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been making things and skating in my spare time for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t actually ‘became’ an artist until I met David Walker, who’s a professional portrait painter who’s been very influential in the development of my artistic career and practice. I was fortunate enough to collaborate on one of his exhibitions by doing embroidery on top of his pantings, and work alongside him when I photographed the models he later painted in the few years that followed. Seeing someone who’s both made a living from their art, and kept improving, trying new things, and was so strict with his work ethic even though he was his own boss, was incredibly inspiring. Having him believe in my talent and encourage my work was even more motivating.

Website: www.yuligates.com

Instagram: instagram.com/healthy.craft

Other: instagram.com/yuli.gates

Image Credits
All images taken by Yuli Gates all artwork by Yuli Gates The image of the eye painting with the flower embroidered on top is a collaboration of Yuli Gates and David Walker