How Artist Yahel Yan Explores the relationship between Color, imagination, emotion, and memory

Yahel Yan is a San Diego-based artist who grew up in Mexico and has always had a love for color and creativity. In this interview, she shares her journey into the world of painting and how she expresses deep emotions through her art. She talks about her unique way of working with different materials, often using chairs as symbols in her paintings, and how her life experiences, from love to loss, inspire her work. Yahel also opens up about her passion for bringing joy and meaningful connections to those who view her art.

Yahel Yan is a San Diego-based Mexican painter exploring the relationship between color and emotion. Frequently attending museums and galleries, Yan was exposed to art from an early age and always knew that she wanted to become a visual artist. She jokes she was born with a crayon in her hand. These childhood experiences of being immersed in the rich, vibrant culture of Mexico continue to impact Yan’s work today. In her abstract and representational work, she explores the relationship between color, imagination, emotion, and memory.

Yan received her undergraduate degree in graphic design from Universidad Del Nuevo Mundo. With a love for both painting and printmaking, she began her career as a professional artist in 2019. Yan has since been selected for solo and group exhibitions throughout California, including From the Masters at Ashton Gallery, Artist Alliance Biennial at Oceanside Museum of Art, and Not an Art Fair (National Show) at ShockBoxx, amongst others. Additionally, she received an award of third place of excellence from the San Diego Museum of Art’s 2022 online International Spring Exhibition and was selected to be part of Jen Tough’s Collective in 2023. Yan paints from her home as well as her studio space located at F1VE ART in Liberty Station.

Her work is an exploration of the depths of imagination and reality. Through abstract and representational painting, she allows personal narratives to unfold and leaves room for the viewer to find their own stories within each piece. Although she paints in vastly different styles and mediums––abstraction, realism, acrylic, and oil––she relies on her intuition to guide her in communicating emotion.

Growing up in Mexico City, she was surrounded by a vibrancy of colors and the pulse of a big metropolis. These childhood memories play into her art in palette, energy, and movement. She approaches the creative process with a willingness to explore an array of mediums and techniques that guide her studio practice in exciting new directions. Through each painting, underlying emotions, sensations, and desires emerge to the surface–from joy and romance to grief and healing. Depth is created through layers upon layers of paint, evoking a lifetime of hidden memories.

Her artistry is enhanced by her pure passion for creating. Whether she’s painting a chair, a whimsical landscape, or an abstract composition, each collection reflects her optimistic nature and purpose: to bring joy to the viewer.

1. What inspired you to become an artist?

I have an innate drive to create and express myself artistically. I was fortunate to have my artistic talents nurtured by my family and teachers. I always drew, painted, and appreciated the art and colors that surrounded me. After years of being a graphic designer, a full-time mom, and fostering creativity in my children, I transitioned into a full-time artist. Now, as an empty nester, my passion for creating has only intensified, and I am embracing it with love and joy.

I draw inspiration from life, human relationships, and emotions

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2. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My artistic journey is a deep exploration of emotions and relationships, brought to life in vibrant paintings where chairs are usually the focal point. By infusing chairs with symbolic significance, I transform them into powerful representations of our shared humanity. When working with oils, I typically begin by selecting a photograph taken by either myself or one of my children. Chairs take center stage in my oil paintings, evolving from ordinary objects into profound symbols. I adjust their colors and composition with the help of my computer, aiming for a realistic or figurative style with vibrant colors that add a touch of fantasy to the scene. In contrast, my acrylic process follows a different route. I often start with mark-making techniques and incorporate various pieces of collected paper. Layer by layer, I construct the painting, continuously tweaking and adding elements in lighter shades than the base layers. As I work, I rotate the canvas frequently, allowing strokes and forms to develop naturally. Sometimes, figures or landscapes come into view, while other times, the piece remains abstract. I allow my creative self to play and lead the way and bask in the sheer joy of creating and expressing feelings. I embrace a more whimsical approach; this playful and imaginative style allows me to explore different themes and narratives, showcasing a distinct artistic expression across my various mediums.”

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I draw inspiration from life, human relationships, and emotions. Occasionally, titles or calls for submissions provide a starting point for my creative process. However, I paint daily, whether or not I feel particularly inspired, because the act of painting itself is deeply inspiring to me. It allows me to delve into my thoughts and feelings, translating them onto canvas or paper.

4. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

“Field of Flowers” and “The King’s Garden” are part of a series My SecreGarden that sprouted from my reaction to the impending loss of my father. The flowers that bloomed on the canvas grew from seeds he planted in my heart. Painting flowers helped me cope by honoring my dad with happy scenes.

I always drew, painted, and appreciated the art and colors that surrounded me.

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5. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

When I’m not painting, I’m usually drawing, carving stamps, working with clay, attending mosaic classes, or participating in art workshops. I enjoy exploring different mediums and experimenting, so during breaks between series or projects, I find myself drawn to these creative outlets in my play area. These varied pursuits not only keep my creativity flowing but also grant me new perspectives and techniques that I can incorporate into my main body of work.

Yahel Yan’s art reflects her deep connection to emotion and color. Her journey, from her colorful childhood in Mexico to her creative work in California, is all about telling stories and bringing happiness to others through her paintings. This interview shows us that Yahel’s art is more than just creating beautiful images; It’s about sharing experiences, evoking memories, and inspiring joy. To learn more about Yahel, visit the links below.