Yang Liu
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I create sculptures out of crepe paper and wire.”
My primary areas of focus are botanicals and food. And no, it’s not like origami, it’s more like clay or fabric.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Paper art is definitely a niche subject. When I first came across it, it felt like the clouds had parted and I had finally found my artistic medium.
I learned the craft from talented teachers, and studied and practiced as much as possible on my own. The amount of support I got when I started posting my paper art on Instagram was surprising and so kind. It encouraged me to keep creating and pushing myself. After my work started getting published and exhibited, I decided to quit my corporate day job and pursue this art form full-time.
Most recently, I created a digital zine, Doublette, to share my craft with other paper enthusiasts.
How do you stand out in your field?
I bring life into my paper by studying the subtleties of Mother Nature and cutting freehand as much as possible. I’ve been told my florals have a signature “glow” to them and I create some of the smoothest color fades in the business. I love to experiment, which helps me create techniques nobody else uses.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I am working on a private commission of paper radishes and a series of ballet-inspired florals that I plan to release as NFTs.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I try to create artwork that sits between dreams and reality. My style is feminine, romantic and influenced by Chinese ink painting, watercolor and modern food photography. I tend towards minimal styling on my social media - I like to let my artwork speak for itself.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
The pandemic definitely has made me miss collaborating in a group setting and taking in-person art classes to further develop my craft.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Connecting with art collectors and brands in a sea of social media.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Figuring out what hashtags to optimally use on each social media platform and helping me with marketing.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Start as soon as possible and keep going.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Packaging. I love beautiful packaging and want that special experience for my customers when I ship work to them. While I’ve made strides in how I package my own work, there’s always a bit of a struggle when you’re dealing with one-of-a-kind objects.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m looking for clients who want to commission custom paper art for themselves, as a gift, or as part of a larger creative project.
I’d love to see my work paired with beauty, wellness, or fashion brands. I’m also a bit of a tea geek, so I’d love a tea collaboration some day.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Any collaboration that allows me to express my artistry is an ideal one! My past clients approached me for my aesthetic and allowed me to bring my creativity to the table. I mean that’s why you hire an artist, right?
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
My friend and fellow paper artist, Anna Chedid.
We’ve done collaborations together, and they’ve been not only fun, but also helped me learn!
Also the amazing Lynn Dolan, who’s been such a great teacher and inspiration for me.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Please contact me via my website to get the conversation started about your project.
If you’re seeking custom paper botanicals or florals, it can be helpful to have reference images available for color/species. Paper is an unforgiving medium, so I appreciate it when clients are clear about what they are looking for.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Eat, sleep, yoga, breathe, and repeat.
This member profile was originally published in July 2021.