Yahel Yan is a talented San Diego-based painter whose vibrant work bridges imagination, memory, and emotion. In this interview, she shares her journey from a childhood immersed in Mexico’s colorful culture to her current explorations in painting and printmaking. She opens up about her fascination with everyday objects like chairs, which she brings to life as storytellers in her art. Yahel discusses how her background in graphic design influences her approach, the inspiration she finds in overlooked details, and the importance of color in conveying emotion. Her art is not just about creating beauty but also fostering connections and inspiring love among people.

Yahel Yan is a featured artist in our book “Lines And Curves.” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Yahel Yan is a San Diego-based Mexican painter exploring the relationship between color and emotion. Frequently attending museums and galleries, Yan was exposed to art from an early age and always knew that she wanted to become a visual artist. She jokes she was born with a crayon in her hand. These childhood experiences of being immersed in the rich, vibrant culture of Mexico continue to impact Yan’s work today. In her abstract and representational work, she explores the relationship between color, imagination, emotion, and memory.

Yan received her undergraduate degree in graphic design from Universidad Del Nuevo Mundo. With a love for both painting and printmaking, she began her career as a professional artist in 2019. Yan has since been selected for solo and group exhibitions throughout California, including From the Masters at Ashton Gallery, Artist Alliance Biennial at Oceanside Museum of Art, and Not an Art Fair (National Show) at ShockBoxx, amongst others. Additionally, she received an award of third place of excellence from the San Diego Museum of Art’s 2022 online International Spring Exhibition and was selected to be part of Jen Tough’s Collective in 2023. Yan paints from her home as well as her studio space located at F1VE ART in Liberty Station.

1.  Yahel, your work beautifully brings life to inanimate objects, especially chairs. Can you share what first drew you to painting chairs and how that fascination has evolved over time?  

The very first chair I painted was a replica of Van Gogh’s iconic chair in 2004, during my early explorations with soft pastels. It has since become a treasured family heirloom, representing both creativity and the special connection between my daughter and me. Over the years, I have painted numerous chairs, each telling its own tale and featuring a distinct color scheme, but that initial pink chair remains particularly dear to me. I have always admired Van Gogh’s artistry but chose pink instead of yellow for my interpretation. I can’t quite remember the reason behind that decision. That piece now decorates my daughter’s bedroom, as I gifted it to her when she lost her first tooth.

My work is an exploration of the depths of imagination and reality. Through abstract and representational painting, I allow personal narratives to unfold and leave room for the viewer to find their own stories within each piece.

Yahel Yan

2.  You’ve mentioned that you see chairs as living beings with personalities. Can you explain how you approach creating a story or emotion for each chair in your artwork?   

Repeatedly painting the same subject, specifically chairs, has helped me develop a fresh perspective on how I perceive them in my artwork. As a storyteller, I use chairs as vehicles to convey the lives and relationships of individuals who are not present in the painting but have passed through the scene. I continually discover scenarios and capture photographs, which I later bring to my studio, allowing my imagination to run free and craft a narrative that my viewers may find intriguing or inspire them to create their tales. Ultimately, I aim for viewers to find their own connections with these chairs, to spark memories or emotions that resonate personally. Art has the power to transcend the ordinary, and by focusing on something as common as a chair, I hope to remind people of the beauty and stories that surround us every day, often unnoticed.

3.  As an artist with a background in graphic design, how has that experience influenced your approach to painting and printmaking? 

As I navigate the creative process, I embrace a spirit of exploration, eager to experiment with a diverse array of mediums and techniques. This willingness to venture into the unknown fuels my studio practice, leading me to discover innovative ways to express my vision. Each painting becomes a journey, revealing a spectrum of underlying emotions, sensations, and desires.

4.  Your use of color and composition is so vibrant. How do you decide on the palette for each piece, and what do you hope it conveys to your viewers? 

Growing up in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, I was immersed in a world brimming with color and the dynamic rhythm of urban life. The sights and sounds of the city—its bustling streets, lively markets, and rich cultural tapestry—left an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities. These formative experiences are intricately woven into my artwork, influencing my color palette and the energy and movement that characterize each piece. To achieve depth and richness in my paintings, I build layers upon layers of paint, each brushstroke contributing to a visual narrative that evokes a lifetime of memories—both seen and unseen. The result is a textured landscape that invites viewers to engage with their own interpretations, encouraging them to reflect on their personal experiences while resonating with the universal themes I portray.

I approach the creative process with a willingness to explore an array of mediums and techniques that guide my studio practice in exciting new directions.

Yahel Yan

5. Many of your works seem to celebrate everyday objects. How do you find inspiration in things that are often overlooked in daily life?  

Our identities are shaped by the individuals we meet, the experiences we have, the food we enjoy, our environment, and even the objects we cherish. Each of us holds onto different items, such as stuffed animals, jewelry, family heirlooms, letters from loved ones, journals, and more. For me, it all began with a ceramic chair, which became the first piece in a growing collection of small chairs.

These chairs started to appear in my artwork, igniting a spark of inspiration that encouraged me to give them life, a story, and a unique situation. I unleashed my imagination, allowing myself to fully appreciate the power and freedom that artistic expression brings. Through this process, I discovered that these seemingly mundane objects could serve as profound storytellers, each with its own distinct voice and history. By painting chairs, I was able to explore themes of connection, solitude, comfort, and memory. Each chair became a character in its own right, embodying the essence of those who might have sat there, the conversations overheard, and the quiet moments shared.

This journey of artistic exploration taught me to see beyond the surface, to recognize the beauty and narratives embedded in everyday life. It reminded me that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, urging us to slow down and appreciate the subtleties of our surroundings. By transforming ordinary objects into vessels of emotion and history, I aim to invite viewers into a world where imagination reigns and where the familiar becomes extraordinary.

6.  Your art exudes positivity and joy. What role do you think art plays in fostering connection and inspiring love among people?  

Art has the remarkable ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, reaching into our hearts and sparking deeply resonant emotions. My work aims to create a space where people can find common ground through the emotions and stories elicited by my paintings. My art is highly interactive; my chairs tell a story, while my abstract pieces can evoke a singular idea or many interpretations. Since we all come from diverse backgrounds and possess distinct experiences, the narrative I envision may differ from each viewer’s interpretation. I genuinely relish the idea of engaging with people’s thoughts and uncovering the stories that my paintings provoke, each uniquely shaped by personal imagination. Through my work, I hope to touch the hearts of others, encouraging them to connect with themselves and with each other in meaningful ways.

Yahel Yan’s art shows us how something as simple as a chair can tell a powerful story. Through her bright colors, layered techniques, and unique way of looking at the world, she inspires us to find beauty and meaning in the little things. Her work is a beautiful reminder of how art can bring people together and make us see everyday life in a new light. To learn more about Yahel, click the following links to visit her profile.

Arts to Hearts Project is a global media, publishing, and education company for
Artists & Creatives. where an international audience will see your work of art patrons, collectors, gallerists, and fellow artists. Access exclusive publishing opportunities and over 1,000 resources to grow your career and connect with like-minded creatives worldwide. Click here to learn about our open calls.