Yuntong Wu of Ontario on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Yuntong Wu and have shared our conversation below.

Yuntong, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Making art in my studio makes me lose track of time, of course. I have been recently incorporating ceramic in my art practice. It is a time consuming medium, and requires a lot of patience between processes. I could start working in the morning with my podcast on and finish up at night, or start after dinner and go to sleep at dawn. Time flies when you fully focus on something.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist, art teacher, and a curator. As an artist, I work across painting, printmaking, and ceramics. My work explores the inner connections between the physical nature and metaphysical world. One my recent work, Orbit of Infinity, embodies the emphasis on deep time, gravity, and the unseen forces that shape our understanding of this world. I have also curated shows in museums, galleries, and public spaces nationwide and have arranged art classes serving Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario residences. In Ontario California, I run a private art studio where it mentors young artists and encourages creative growth.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Curation work in galleries and museums had been a majority part of my career. I have learned so much from communicating with artists and navigating among organizations. I have also built up precious relationships with different artist, buyers, gallerists, and activists. However, my attention recently shifted from curation to teaching. They are both rewarding, but teaching gives me a stable schedule. As I’m putting increasing amount of time on teaching, the curation jobs need to be released. So that my students get enough attention, and I would have enough time for my own practice.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Focus more on yourself, and less on people’s comments.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
It’s a common one that the greater the fame, the better the artwork. This is completely a misunderstanding. Many great artists are relatively unknown, while many famous artists are actually highly skilled at self-promotion and business. Artistic value isn’t determined by the fames. Sometimes, the great works arise from a second spark of inspiration.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Giving up profit-driven jobs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Yuntongwuart.com
• Instagram: Yuntongwu_momo