CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
YT: I do many different types of work. If I try to categorize them, I would say they are mainly abstract, but rooted in tradition, and informed by nature.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
YT: Mostly nature. And of course the energy patterns in nature.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
YT: I start from a mind vision most of the time. In other words, the images are born already; they just need to be shown.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
YT: I hope people can get in touch with a vast space when they see my artwork—a gap in our crowded, tangled mind.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
YT: I am thinking art, doing art, meditating on art the whole day long. And hopefully, living on my art.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
YT: Either way could happen. There are no set rules. Going deeper and being genuine are the principles I follow.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
YT: Being true is the most important thing.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
YT: No. I think they happen naturally.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
YT: This is not a supportive environment for people making art.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
YT: Seeing reality through art. Discovering what others do not see.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
YT: There are many, so it is hard to say. Just to name a few: Matisse, Cezanne, Paul Klee, Morandi, Bada Shanren, Mi Fu (from China)….
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
YT: I think it is useful but bothersome at times. We need to apply mindfulness and awareness when using it.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
YT: Yes. Life is continuous moments of appreciation. Working on art wakes me up to that.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
YT: Yes. New York, so far it is still my favorite.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
YT: Too many of them… I keep finding myself going back to “Shambhala – The Sacred Path of the Warrior” by Chogyam Trungpa.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
YT: Going deeper, and, finding a wider audience.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
YT: It means responsibility and freedom at the same time.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
YT: Arvo Pärt- Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirror in the Mirror.)
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
YT: I use the materials to reflect the feelings and perceptions I have experienced in life – the ever changing, flowing moments of this chaotic yet harmonious world. Rather than building up like an oil painting, I use surfaces that soak in. Canvas prepared with a special gesso behaves like traditional rice paper, pulling the paint in. So the space is infinite. And the time is timeless. After all, our existence is just a little speck in the vast picture of the universe.