Today we’d like to introduce you to Yueming Li.
Hi Yueming, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started drawing from the moment I could hold a pencil. As far back as I can remember, my home and my grandparents’ home were adorned with my artwork. When I was four years old, my mother found me a teacher with a friend’s recommendation, and that’s when I met Yanjing Chen, a Chinese artist who has had the most profound influence on my artistic journey. From Chinese brush painting to realistic oil painting, all my foundational knowledge in visual art comes from her.
When I applied for college, I realized that I was no longer satisfied with solely depicting realistic content from the real world and everyday life. In my mind, there were countless fantastical and imaginative scenes waiting to be explored. With the introduction and encouragement from Ms. Chen, I began to venture into the field of illustration. While studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art, I chose illustration as my major. Throughout my four years in college, I focused on creating with digital media and worked to integrate the knowledge I had acquired into my illustration creation process.
After completing my Master’s degree, I continued my journey in illustration creation, and many of my personal works and projects received awards in various competitions. The first recognition was an Honorable Mention in the No.19 Three x Three International Illustration Awards for “Flowing Moonlight,” which greatly motivated me. Later, “The Eternal Moon,” a piece that depicted the connection between myself, Chinese ancients, and the moon, earned the Merit Award and was featured alongside three of my other selected works in the 2022 China Illustration Art Yearbook. Additionally, “Flying Birds,” “The Last Goddess,” and “Water Moon” were honored with Merit Awards in the iJungle Illustration Awards.
In the professional field, I have undertaken various endeavors and continuously explored the narrativity of illustration. My first commercial project involved designing the illustrations, including the poster, character images, and thread cards, for a murder mystery board game. Recently, a novel for which I granted authorization to use my illustration for the cover has been published. Currently, I am working on a picture book in collaboration with the Chinese company Tong Li Fang, targeting teenagers, with plans to introduce it to readers in 2024. Simultaneously, I am engaged in a long-term project collaborating with an astrologer to create a tarot deck, and I am eagerly anticipating the final outcome.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating brings me joy and satisfaction, but it’s undeniable that this journey is not without its challenges. I’ve faced difficult moments while exploring my visual language.
In my creative process, I always aspire to explore different forms of expression. I avoid confining myself to a specific style, but when I step outside my comfort zone to explore potential developments in my visual language, encountering challenges becomes inevitable. During such times, I contemplate themes that allow for infinite divergence, and I generate numerous thumbnails without constraints on size, media, or colors. There were moments when I felt anxious about defining my visual language and style, but upon entering the professional field, I realized that exploration is an ongoing process, one that constantly evolves.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in narrative illustrations, particularly for books and games. In terms of creative expression, my upbringing and cultural background place me in a unique “in-between” state, allowing me to seamlessly integrate Eastern and Western approaches into my visual creations. This state not only inspires me but also provides diverse perspectives throughout my creative process. I place a strong emphasis on creating a compelling atmosphere, drawing from my experience with Chinese brush painting. Simultaneously, I pay close attention to perspective and lighting, which are influenced by my background in realistic drawing and painting.
I’m pleased that this combination has garnered positive feedback. Through my art, I delve into social issues and topics, such as the status of women and the male gaze. For instance, in the No. 9 Hiii Illustration International Competition, my nominated piece “Melting Candles” explores the phenomenon of the male gaze and the judgment women face in my hometown, highlighting the constraints imposed on women by the beauty standards within the patriarchal system. Simultaneously, I endeavor to articulate and interpret my culture and my connection to it from the perspective of a modern Chinese woman. My goal is to contribute, even if it’s just a small contribution, to filling the gap in women’s perspectives within my culture. This approach has received positive feedback, including recognition in the No. 10 Hiii Illustration International Competition for my finalist illustration “Bury Me.”
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
For me, one of the most helpful and meaningful aspects of my work is learning from feedback.
When a piece is published or exhibited, viewers interpret it from their own perspectives influenced by diverse social and cultural backgrounds. I’m always curious to understand: What do they see and feel? Does their understanding align with what I intended to convey? Are there unique interpretations that I haven’t considered?
I aim to establish a two-way communication through my artwork, seeking a mutual exchange. I find their feedback intriguing and highly value the insights people gain from my work. Gathering these interpretations, rooted in individuals’ personal experiences, enriches my self-reflection and strengthens my modes of expression. It creates a positive cycle that enhances my creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yuemingli.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yueming.art/
