Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Yu.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m a Korean-Chinese American who grew up in Diamond Bar, California, a sleepy suburb in East LA county. My parents owned a very successful Chinese restaurant growing up, which also meant that I was hanging out in the back room of the restaurant and bothering the wait staff more than I was home.
I started drawing ever since I could remember. Inspired by the anime and video games I was consuming as a kid, I was always drawing. By the time I became a freshman in high school, I already knew I wanted to pursue art as a career. My dad, being a chef and calligraphist, and my mom, who has always had a love for fashion and literature, were very supportive.
I applied to Art Center College of Design as soon as I graduated, and ever since then, my journey through the world of art has become a constant in my life. Currently, I work as an Illustrator and Designer full time.
Please tell us about your art.
I primarily enjoy painting and drawing people. I like work that feels human. I enjoy any kind of art that evokes emotion and narrative, even if the work itself isn’t polished. I always want the viewers of my art to be affected by my work in one way or another – happy and excited, sad and nostalgic, confused and conflicted. I want my art to resonate in some way with people’s emotions.
On the flipside, I’m also an avid doodler. I think there is a lot of value in simply practicing and experimenting with your work whenever you can without thinking about a narrative.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
It definitely does get lonely, I suggest going to art fairs, conventions, gallery openings, or any kind of creative event you have interest in. I find that it’s always easy to get talk to people in these kinds of social environments.
If you’re financially able, going to workshops is always a good way to both meet like-minded people, and learn a new skill.
Another way to build community is to follow artists you like on social media platforms and actually interact with them online. I’ve never had a single person who wasn’t excited to receive a nice comment above their work, or answer questions.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found on my website – www.linayu.info, my Instagram – www.instagram.com/lina__yu, and my twitter – www.twitter.com/linayu. I also currently work for a creative studio called Buck – www.buck.tv, and I also show work at galleries, where you can buy my original paintings.
You can support me by following my social media profiles, leaving comments, or sharing my work with your friends! I always love to interact with other creatives. You can also buy prints and other merchandise from my store.
Contact Info:
- Address: 507 N 2nd St Unit B
Alhambra, CA 91801 - Website: www.linayu.info
- Phone: 626-774-4777
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lina__yu
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/linayu
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
