YEACHIN TSAI 

CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?

YT: I do many different types of work. If I try to categorize them, I would say they are mainly abstract, but rooted in tradition, and informed by nature.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

YT: Mostly nature. And of course the energy patterns in nature.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?

YT: I start from a mind vision most of the time. In other words, the images are born already; they just need to be shown.

CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?

YT: I hope people can get in touch with a vast space when they see my artwork—a gap in our crowded, tangled mind.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?

YT: I am thinking art, doing art, meditating on art the whole day long. And hopefully, living on my art.

CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?

YT: Either way could happen. There are no set rules. Going deeper and being genuine are the principles I follow.

CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?

YT: Being true is the most important thing.

CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?

YT: No. I think they happen naturally.

CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?

YT: This is not a supportive environment for people making art.

CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?

YT: Seeing reality through art. Discovering what others do not see.

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?

YT: There are many, so it is hard to say. Just to name a few: Matisse, Cezanne, Paul Klee, Morandi, Bada Shanren, Mi Fu (from China)….

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

YT: I think it is useful but bothersome at times. We need to apply mindfulness and awareness when using it.

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

YT: Yes. Life is continuous moments of appreciation. Working on art wakes me up to that.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

YT: Yes. New York, so far it is still my favorite.

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

YT: Too many of them… I keep finding myself going back to “Shambhala – The Sacred Path of the Warrior” by Chogyam Trungpa.

CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?

YT: Going deeper, and, finding a wider audience.

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

YT: It means responsibility and freedom at the same time.

CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?

YT: Arvo Pärt- Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirror in the Mirror.)

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?

YT: I use the materials to reflect the feelings and perceptions I have experienced in life – the ever changing, flowing moments of this chaotic yet harmonious world. Rather than building up like an oil painting, I use surfaces that soak in. Canvas prepared with a special gesso behaves like traditional rice paper, pulling the paint in. So the space is infinite. And the time is timeless. After all, our existence is just a little speck in the vast picture of the universe.

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Chapter 89 online contemporary art magazine