Fiona Yeh

Where do you live: Taichung, Taiwan.
Your education: Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design.
Describe your art in three words: Powerful, delightful, grateful.
Your discipline: Resilience.
Website

What inspired you to use the lion as a central symbol in your artwork?

That is the story of The Wizard of Oz. The character Lion named himself as The Cowardly Lion, thinking that he was lacking in courage. Eventually, after drinking the non-magical solution, he thought he was the King of the Beasts. In our life, we must have something brilliant in our mind; we mustn’t keep underestimating ourselves. What we actually lack is never intelligence, but courage.

You mention that courage is born from acknowledging and facing fear. How does this concept influence the creative process behind your art?

We all are not perfect as we fall down sometimes, fail often, and get out of control. These experiences are where I meet my most authentic self. Emotions can be governed by my mental attitude and then become the creation of my artworks.

How do the emotions of fear and courage shape the way you depict lions in your work?

As you look deeply at my artworks, you are able to feel them being in existence. Imagination is the way to open your eyes and search for the feeling where you don’t expect it.

Your works show a variety of styles and techniques. How do you decide which medium or approach to use for each piece?

I like to be a little playful and mischievous, so I use oil paints, oil crayons, and markers on watercolor paper, canvas, or other materials to create my pieces.

Could you share a moment in your life when you had to face fear, and how it influenced your art?

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives were greatly affected, and the virus spread rapidly. At the same time, I was diagnosed with chest tumors in my breast. My doctor suggested that the best option was to remove the tumors through surgery. This would help determine whether I needed chemotherapy in case it was breast cancer. I suffered from anxiety, depression, and social disorder. That was the moment I had to face fear and weakness.

From these experiences, my way of thinking and creating was influenced. Since we are traveling on this planet, we must live in the present and love ourselves as a lifelong romance.

How do cultural influences from Taiwan shape your understanding and representation of courage and fear?

Taiwan’s geographical location, situated in the West Pacific and neighboring Southeast Asian nations, reflects ethnic and cultural diversity. Being born and raised here, I have been able to think outside the box and create imaginatively. It gives me a sense of security and strengthens my value in being myself.

Do you feel that creating these lion-themed works has helped you process or understand your own fears?

Definitely. When I focus on painting, I find it easy to reach a state of flow whenever I meet and face challenges.