Today we’d like to introduce you to Louisa Yu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Louisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always considered myself to be a creative. Growing up, I did a little of everything. Drawing, calligraphy, crafts, even sewing. I noticed that I always had my own way of doing things. If there was a sketch required, I skipped it. I didn’t follow calligraphy stroke patterns. I didn’t like planning or structure, I just wanted to start something and run with it.
I created my first abstract painting in a high school art class. The class had no structure, the projects were simply to create what you wanted. Having a space to create where there were no rules or expectations gave me full artistic freedom. I painted with no constraints, and from the very beginning, my work was always abstract. Something about it felt right. I quickly fell in love with it and was constantly painting.
When I look back on my art journey, a few notable events stick out. Milestones. Shifts in thinking. I’m not exactly sure what to call them, but they’ve stuck with me ever since. The first being in high school when my art teacher submitted one of my paintings to a competition. I didn’t expect anything out of it, as I had just begun abstract painting. After returning from the competition, he told me that my piece didn’t place or win, but one of the judges had asked to purchase it.
I’d never considered the idea of selling my work before. But that feeling of gratitude has stuck with me forever and planted the initial seed of: I like doing this. A lot. I have to share it. After that, I was consistently producing work. Selling it via a photo album I made on Facebook. Painting murals in my friends rooms for fun. And the consistent thought I had was: I wonder if I could turn this into something more.
After that, I went to college and barely painted. But the times that I did made me realize that I was still very much connected to it. I didn’t make it a priority partially because it was difficult to find time, but partially because I didn’t have the confidence that it would ever turn into anything. At the time, it felt like a faraway dream that most people didn’t believe in.
To be honest, I didn’t really believe in it either. I had a lot of self-doubt and hesitation. But it turns out I just needed a push in the right direction. To figure things out for myself and understand that you really have to listen to your own desires and give them a chance, instead of assuming things won’t work out.
Over the past few years, my mentality has shifted from being skeptical and stagnant to hungry and proactive. Utilizing resources. Learning everything that I can on how to become a successful artist. Being patient with the process and understanding that good things take time to progress. And there is so much more to experience. Always. Present day, I’m just happy for the opportunity to do what I love.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A few bumps here and there. Growing up, I was told to silence the creative side of me. That it wasn’t practical nor realistic to try to make something out of it. For a while, I internalized a lot of these beliefs and they prevented me from taking any action towards turning my dreams into a reality. I pushed my creativity to the side, thinking I’d find something else that by parental and societal standards, was more acceptable.
Over time, I learned to separate myself from the doubts of others. If I wanted something, believed in something, I was going to find a way to make it work. My sentiment is to give anything you want to achieve a fair shot. And if it really doesn’t work out, you’ll know. But at least you gave it a chance to play out.
Additionally, I think every artist occasionally deals with imposter syndrome. When I decided I was going to do this, I was so hard on myself. Questioning if my work was good enough. Wanting immediate results. Only to later realize that I just wanted confirmation that I made the right choice by putting my art out there. And I’m confident now that I did. I’ve learned that you have to be patient with process. To trust yourself and your craft. You’re not always going to be able to create. There are times when you’re going to feel like you’ve lost your touch. But you just have to push through and keep working, taking small victories along the way.
Louisa Yu Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m an abstract artist. I work with acrylic on canvas to create expressionistic paintings.
My work is a response to trauma. It represents the ability to thrive despite what your past experiences may be. I use bright bold colors, sweeping strokes and texture to create powerful pieces to ignite the soul.
I’m a big mental health advocate, and I hope to convey through my work that healing is possible. That you can come out stronger from the things you thought would destroy you. If my work can move or inspire someone, then my job is done.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I won Best in Show at an art show. It was something that I always dreamed about, but felt like a really far off goal. I was shocked when I found out. It came at a time when I was at a loss for inspiration and going through a creative block. This was a special moment because I felt so much confirmation that I was on the right path. It was like a push to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.louisayu.com
- Email: louisayuart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/louisayuart
Image Credit:
Shaun Malinao
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