I had the pleasure of speaking with the wonderful Celia Yang, alongside fellow artist Sarah Zucker, to reflect on the LACMA’s innovative project Remembrance of Things Future. The full interviews can be read here.
Hi, Jen. I know you’re from Miami but have been in Los Angeles for over 10 years now. Congratulations on your new studio in Boyle Heights, the space is beautiful. Can you tell me a little about your process?
Thanks, I’m happy to have you here! Yes, I feel like a true Angelino now, and am stoked to be able to work out of my dream studio. When I’m creating, most of the time the concepts start in my sketchbook. I’ll sketch out an idea, usually just doodling and brainstorming, then when it’s fully formed, I’ll know whether the work will be physical or digital.
How long does it typically take to create your digital works?
The digital works I’ve created can take anywhere from a few days to one year to complete. (It just depends on the complexity of the project.) For the physical objects, I can create them myself from start to finish. Digital pieces actually take longer and require more collaboration. I’ll come up with the idea and bounce it off my collaborator (who specializes in coding or tech). We will then figure out what can be done and what can be changed. I draft the digital works by a sketch first then translate it on Illustrator. I’ll have all the colors laid out, like a timeline of colors, and my collaborator helps make them come to life. Everyone brings what they’re good at and their strengths to the table. It’s been pretty fun, this digital interactive immersive world.
Color and color play is obviously a central aspect to your practice.
Yes, I’m inspired by color theory and how different colors react to each other. In my paintings I’ll place neons and brights next to certain colors to make them look dull or pop out. I like how colors play games with our eyes. The mystery of rainbows and light spectrums—how so many colors of light mix together to become white. Also color in nature is either an attractant or repellent. It’s trying to get your attention to warn you of something or pull you in closer. These bright colors can say: “This is deadly, don’t come close.” Or “Come eat me, I’m a delicious red berry.” I like that dynamic with nature.
Head over to Unframed to read the rest of the article.