Meet Nikita Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikita Young.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in the middle of the mountains in Korea, delivered by my mom alone, as if in some story or novel. From a very early age, I already began wondering if there were other worlds for me than the one I was born into. So, my quest began and I eventually came to the US. While I was working multiple jobs and saving money, I managed to keep my plan to myself, as if I was guarding it as something sacred. Finally, I came and I felt at home immediately in spite of my complete ignorance about where I was. I somehow just knew this would be the world that suits me better. My degree in Fashion Design from Korea was a practical pursuit. Now that I was here, I wanted to follow my heart. So, I did and I studied Fine Arts and got a degree in that. However, once again a diversion happened! I wanted to stay here and had to pursue a business degree on an immigration lawyer’s advice. I was fortunate enough to be successful, to the point of being valedictorian of the whole business school. In spite of my success, I once again felt I was in the wrong place and I had to try to find my place in this world all over again and I found it was sculpting that put my relentlessly restless heart to rest. Even though I studied and work with all art mediums, I found figurative sculpting to be the art form in which I can totally lose myself, which I call the serenity that I had desperately been seeking for all of my life. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to change one’s fate so many times that it seems almost foolish. However, indeed fortune favors the brave and I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some amazing and well-known sculptors who convinced me that my art is something that needs to be shared with the world. So, I decided to reveal it and myself to the world.

Please tell us about your art.
The reason I actually turned it into figurative sculpture was my interest in human beings, which started early on. I wondered what this was all about – life, people, etc. Why are we here? Who are we? That is why I’ve become a keen observer of people in all aspects. In fact, along with art, human psychology has been one of my strong interests for that same reason. So, once I was exposed to figurative sculpture and realized I can capture and create a piece of that which I understand as being human, It is almost like giving birth to a human out of a bag of clay. It was thrilling, exciting, rewarding and enchanting. So, this captured my heart completely. I feel companionship even in my solitude looking at my creations. If I can give that gift to others, that will be a sufficient meaning in what I do and why I’m here. My pieces reflect very honest, personal emotional states and it is my hope that it will give comfort to those who see them.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I am a student of life, forever, so I’m still learning myself. The only thing I can say is, just follow your heart.

“Do your work and step back. That is the only way to serenity.” Lao Tse

I do believe the only thing in this world that is under my control is myself. So, I truly believe that quote and I have been doing my best practicing it.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Ironically, my garage is the place that holds most of my pieces! I have only been to a few galleries, so far. I have been an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach for several years. I also teach there, as well as at a few other places, like Irvine Fine Arts Center and LOCA. I also have a website www.nikitayoung.com

I do believe that everyone has their passion. I really need someone who is as passionate about exposing my art to the public as I am about creating it. Marketing my own work, I must admit, is my weakness.

I am also available for private workshops and commission work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nikitayoung.com
• Phone: (714) 883-4206
• Email: nikitayoung@gmail.com
• Instagram: nikitayoungart

Image Credit:
Model: Michael Obermeyer, Model: John Stewart. Photographer: Joel Brown

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