16- Yinsey Wang
This past year has looked so different for many of us. Our routines and relationships were disrupted, along with how we interacted with the world. For me, I went through varying stages, from feeling positive and upbeat to depressed and anxious. In the beginning, it was a devastation. We had barely been in the UK six months, had just started getting to meet new people, and then we were in a lockdown. I am an extrovert, and I am definitely inspired by my interactions with people. I wasn’t sure how I was going to respond to this new situation as an artist. A year later, all I can say is that it is ok to have highs and lows. It is ok to not ‘feel’ creative and to struggle with motivation. More than anything, this year has taught me to listen to what my body, soul, and mind need and allow the process of giving myself what I need fuel my creativity. We all learned something different this past year. What we learned has changed us and will stay with us forever.
Yinsey’s year in lockdown was dedicated to her creativity. Yinsey is a model and a photographer (not to mention a full-time lawyer). She decided to pursue the work of self-expression during lockdown, and through that process has made incredible portraits that dive into her imagination. Her work features stunning outfits placed in romantic settings, stirring the dreamer inside me. The dreamer that wants to live in a magical world filled with beauty. Yinsey’s work goes beyond the superficial beauty to the depth of what beauty contains–the ability to awaken in us a deep desire to connect and create. I hope her story and art inspires you to take a closer look at the world you want to create and think about how you can make it a reality.
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Dress by Kirby Moore
You have so many creative outlets such as photography, modelling, and writing. Can you share a little about your art journey and what led to you being interested in these different areas?
Since childhood, art, writing and reading have always provided outlets in which I escaped reality. I have always loved dreaming up enchanted worlds and during my class recess breaks could be found composing (awful!) poetry and doodling all sorts of creatures and characters that I had imagined in my mind!
As I grew older and committed myself to my studies, I inevitably neglected my creative pursuits. However, during university I purchased a camera and would take some photos for fun and began modelling for others. This provided a lovely way to meet other people, exchange ideas and do something a little less routine! I also realised how much I enjoyed learning about other people’s journeys, and so I started asking people to become my interview subjects for a variety of publications.
As I continued modeling, slowly and surely, I expanded my portfolio. This gave me the amazing opportunity of collaborating with fantasy and fairytale creatives in making some otherworldly images, and this is where my heart really sings. Even after I became a lawyer, I continued to engage myself in these little projects as a way to relieve stress and have a change of scene. When the lockdown hit in the UK, in order to retain a sense of magic in my everyday life, I took an online Creative Live course by Bella Kotak and Pratik Naik on Fine Art Conceptual Photography. Next thing you know, I am now addicted to creating self-styled and photographed pieces!
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
When it comes to modelling and photography, is there one in particular that you enjoy more?
Definitely modelling. I like to play a character! It is fun working with a team and letting the ideas unfurl. Photography is something I got into because of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions meaning I am unable to create with friends in the same way that I am used to. Perhaps if I had another opportunity to study, I would have loved to learn acting as becoming someone different in a whole new set of circumstances is quite exciting (for a moment, of course!).
You also have a full-time career as a lawyer. What advice can you give to other creatives who also have a different career outside of art?
Definitely go for it. It is nice to have something outside of work to discover more about yourself and explore another side to yourself. As I have been working from home, transforming the same physical space into a different one conceptually (i.e., going from office space to creative space) has been helpful to me in creating separation between home and work life.
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel.
Dress by Sarah Louise Designs
Is there anything in particular that you feel drawn to create? Why?
I am obsessed with fairy tales, mythology and folk stories. The reason is that they have been passed on for generations and there has to be some insightful elements and fascinating values that are imbued in these that for some reason feel relevant to us today, whether in explaining how people see the world or in terms of how they explain away the world around them.
How do you approach working on a new piece?
It ultimately depends on how I am feeling at the time and if I am working together with others or on my own. When doing self-portraiture, as I am a hobbyist, I quite like not putting pressure on myself as there is no real need for me to ensure the process is particularly professional or planned out. Hence, this attitude allows me to go with the flow a bit! If the result is not to my liking, I am under no obligation to post it in the end!
When it comes to working with others, I like to share ideas, swap imagery and improvise as a team. Every shoot is different, and that is the best part!
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Crown by Aurora and Moon
How do you find inspiration? (Or how does inspiration find you?)
I think inspiration tends to find me! It can come in many forms, but most frequently, when I am indulging in otherworldly imagery, whether through reading, watching a movie and/or just looking at beautiful artwork and/or archaeology. Perusing creative Facebook groups and going to museums and galleries (whether in person or virtually) helps to get me feeling creative.
What has been your biggest struggle as an artist? How did you overcome it?
Finding time to create has been difficult given my full-time job as a lawyer. However, I realise it is so important to my mental health, so I try to schedule in time once every two weeks at the very least!
Do you have any art rituals? (Things you do to set your mind on your task or to refresh daily)
I love browsing through images, and if something really catches my eye and inspires me to create, I make a note of it!
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Corset by The Raven's Goddess
What advice would you give to other artists?
Be kind and treat others as you wish to be treated. Sometimes it is the chemistry and teamwork between like-minded individuals that create the most magic, and it always helps when people are nice to work with!
What themes do you see in your art?
I think folklore, fairytale and mythology are key themes in my work. In particular, Greek and Roman mythology.
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Corset by The Raven's Goddess
Necklace by Aurora and Moon
As an artist, do you feel you have a role to play in society?
This is an excellent question! I do not think I have really thought about my role! In general, I believe artists can give different perspectives, challenge norms and instigate discussion. Artists have the power to give society hope and allow individuals to feel connected across time and places, despite no words being exchanged. To me, art has a powerful influence on my life. However, for the time being, if people enjoy looking at my art, that is more than enough for me! Sometimes it is also important to create regardless of any purpose but to create, because we are human.
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Location Abbey House and Gardens
What is something that has really pushed you as an artist?
Having people believe in me. If you see friends pursuing creative outlets, share their work and encourage them. This sort of engagement has more power and impact than you will ever know!
Do you mind sharing tips for artists who are trying to grow their network or fan base?
I do think if you are passionate about what you do, brave about sharing and engaging with others, the right network and “fan base” will come along! The old cliché about “you never know until you try” rings so true.
Also, be open to collaborating and linking up with other creators. They can really inspire and impact your development! Of course, everyone has their own vision, and sometimes there may not be a “right fit” between two creators, but see these instances as a chance to learn and grow.
Colour toned with presets from Color Lab Actions and Infinite Color Panel
Dress by Elara Moon
What are you currently working on?
Some lovely designers have reached out to collaborate, so I am plotting my next concepts to use their pieces! I hope you will like how they turn out!
Do you have any resources to share?
YouTube has a wealth of information and you can find tutorials on almost anything. My creative journey actually started with Bella Kotak’s and Pratik Naik’s Fine Art Conceptual Photography Creative Live course. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of photography and editing.
I also love the Color Lab presets by Bella Kotak. They have been a huge help to my development, and being part of the Color Lab and Fairytales and Fantasy Bella Kotak groups on Facebook have allowed me to get feedback on my development and concepts. I have also made so many new online friends through these lovely groups!
To learn more about Yinsey, visit Torn and Polished
Follow Yinsey on Instagram @tornandpolished
