Meet Yifan Qian, an artist from Zhejiang, China, now living and creating in New York City. In this interview, Yifan opens up about her creative journey, from moving to the U.S. to earning her MFA at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She shares how her experiences have shaped her art, which explores themes like love, happiness, and the connection between the self and the universe. Yifan talks about the healing power of self-portraits, the philosophy behind her work, and how she balances the inward focus of painting with the outward exploration of photography. Her story is an inspiring look at self-discovery, creativity, and staying true to yourself as an artist.

Yifan Qian 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

Yifan Qian, born in Zhejiang, China, in 1996, came to America in 2021 to pursue an MFA in Fine Arts Studio at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She completed her master’s in 2023 and is now working and living in New York City. She is an artist who explores the concept of self and the relationship between the self and the universe.

1.  Yifan, how has your journey from China to the U.S. and your MFA studies at RIT influenced your artistic development and the themes you explore in your work?  

I lived in China until the age of 24. After that, I moved to the United States to pursue my studies. Upon graduating, I relocated from Rochester to New York City. Transitioning from China to the U.S. was a profound cultural shock that pushed me to continually reflect on and rediscover myself. It wasn’t until I came to the U.S. that I truly began creating art. In China, art was merely a seed of a dream; in America, it finally began to sprout.

The paintings are symbolic and abstract in nature, allowing me to express abstract thoughts and emotions, as well as what I am going through at the time of making the art.

Yifan Qian

2.    You mention that your art reflects themes like love, happiness, and human existence. How do you balance abstract symbolism with these complex, relatable emotions?

To balance abstract symbolism with complex, relatable emotions like love, happiness, and human existence, I focus on universal experiences that resonate with everyone on some level. Abstract elements allow me to convey emotions and ideas in a way that transcends language and cultural boundaries, while relatable themes ground my work in shared human experiences. I often start by exploring personal memories or observations of everyday life and then use symbolism to distill these moments into their emotional essence. This approach creates a dialogue between the abstract and the familiar, inviting viewers to project their own feelings and interpretations onto the work. Ultimately, I aim to create a connection that feels both intimate and universal.

3.  Your belief in the Chinese concept “本自具足” seems to be central to your work. Can you explain how this idea shapes your creative process and exploration of the universe? 

My work is deeply rooted in self-exploration, seeking to build a connection between myself and the universe. My pieces are often self-portraits, representing my existence in different times and spaces. By painting myself, I am, in essence, painting the world—expressing my understanding of this world and the universe as a whole. Moreover, “本自具足” inspires me to focus on the interconnectedness of all things. By exploring this relationship between the individual and the universal, my work seeks to convey that the answers to life’s complexities often lie within ourselves, waiting to be realized and expressed. It’s a perspective that brings both a sense of humility and empowerment to my artistic journey.

4.  Self-portraiture is a significant part of your practice. How has creating these works helped you in your personal journey of self-discovery and healing? 

Creating self-portraits has been an essential part of my journey toward self-discovery and healing. Through this practice, I am able to confront and reflect on my emotions, memories, and experiences in a deeply personal and honest way. Each self-portrait becomes a mirror, revealing aspects of myself that I may not have fully understood or accepted before. This process is both therapeutic and transformative. By visualizing my inner world, I create a space to process complex emotions and find clarity. It’s not just about capturing my physical form but also expressing my evolving relationship with my identity, the world, and the universe.

Themes that I encounter in my paintings include love, relationship, happiness/unhappiness, and philosophical ideas about the universe and human existence. Self-portraiture, which is a big part of my work, allows me to come to know myself more and heal.

Yifan Qian

5.  Given your background in both painting and photography, how do you navigate between these mediums, and what does each offer you in expressing your creative vision?  

In my creative process, painting and photography serve distinct yet complementary purposes. Painting is an inward exploration, a way for me to delve into my inner world and express emotions, thoughts, and ideas that might be intangible or abstract. It’s a form of release, where I translate my internal reflections onto the canvas. Photography, on the other hand, is outward exploration. It’s about observing and absorbing the world around me—capturing moments, details, and textures that resonate with my perspective. While painting allows me to release what’s within, photography enables me to take in and reflect on the external world. Together, these mediums create a dynamic balance between introspection and observation, between absorbing and releasing.

6. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?

To aspiring artists, my advice is to stay true to yourself and your unique journey. Art is not just about technical skill or perfection; it’s about expressing your perspective and telling your story. Embrace the process of exploration—experiment with different mediums, ideas, and styles until you find what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid of failure or criticism. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow, and every piece of feedback can deepen your understanding of your work. Trust your instincts, but remain open to new perspectives.

Yifan Qian’s work reflects a continuous journey of self-discovery and healing. Through her self-portraits and exploration of universal themes, she offers viewers a glimpse into the connection between the self and the universe. Her ability to balance personal experiences with abstract symbolism speaks to her growth as an artist and as a person. To learn more about Yifan, click the following links to visit her profile.

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