About Me.
Artist, Caregiver, Graphic Designer, Creator, Writer, Dog Mom, Plant Mom, Queer, Body Positive, Plus-sized, Bleeding Heart Liberal Snowflake, Former Vegan, Anxious, Introverted Extrovert, Too Much, Extra, Blunt, Overthinker, People Pleaser, Aspiring Art Therapist on a healing journey seeking to find and reconnect with my most authentic self.
Nestled in the Redwoods in a wonderfully artsy gay little town halfway between the freeway and the coast, and an hour or so north of San Francisco.
My typical day is spent creating, caring for those in my life that need it, and trying to figure out how to get excited about doing the laundry or working out.
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Statement
For as long as I can remember, I have been making art, and for as long as I have been painting, I have been inexplicably drawn to the female form. Being a plus-sized woman, I have always felt a heavy amount of shame regarding my body, yet I know there is beauty in everyone on this earth. My goal here is to highlight the beauty in plus-sized bodies by using unconventional colors and patterns to draw the viewer in, forcing them to question their standards for what is and is not beautiful. My art seeks to answer the question: If she is beautiful, and I look like her, then am I not beautiful too? It is my most sincere hope that the work I put out will help to dismantle outdated patriarchal standards of beauty further while providing much-needed representation to the plus-size community.
Process
There is nothing magical here. I develop an idea for a series, find models or stock images, and then collage them with other elements. After that, I sketch, adding things here and taking out something there. Then, I sit down with my Ipad, open up procreate and work. Each series piece is released as soon as it is created; you can find them on my Instagram @Whitney.yoh. When I have time, I break out the canvas and the oils, take my favorite images from each series, and birth them into the world. As of now, I don't plan to sell any original copies or physical paintings. But everyone has their price, so if you see a piece you like and absolutely must have it shoot me a message, and let's chat. You can find limited edition prints in my shop.
Inspiration
Big beautiful women, petite women, tall women, all women.
ALL bodies are beautiful.
Sunsets and turquoise waters.
Rainbows
Patterns.
Flowers and gardens.
Hidden messages; symbology, iconography.
Artists, both past and present.
The Masters, specifically the female ones, and yes, there are female masters.
Folk Art.
Culture.
Education
I have been drawing, painting, crafting, and creating for as long as I can remember. For most of my life, I was self-taught. I had art class in the 3rd grade, in the 8th grade, and then not again until my first stint in college, where I took two drawing classes circa 2008.
During my second time in college, I focused on a double major in Studio art and Psychology. I have yet to reach the goal of becoming an Art Therapist because financial aid and scholarships ran out, and I refuse to take on student debt yet again.
The art you see and purchase here helps me reach that goal.
Awards
I've only ever entered my art in one contest, which was at the Sterling Fair in Sterling, MA, ca. 2008. I decided to join several categories; I placed in every single one.
1st Place: Digital Art
1st Place: Black and White Photography
1st Place: Pen and Ink
2nd Place: Acrylic Painting
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When I reorganize the garage, I will pull out those old artworks and post them for yall.
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I am entering a local contest this year; there will be a people's choice award for one lucky winner. Follow my Instagram and vote for me when the time comes.
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