Subin Yang
Read here more about our first ever artist collaboration on a much loved, and much used product, or better, artwork, in class, The Yoga Poster.
When we first came across the striking artwork of Subin Yang, there was a sort of instant resonance. Her flowing style and the simple clarity of her colourful illustrations are captivating.
After reaching out back in 2018, Subin agreed to create a bespoke Yoga Poster for Creative Kimiyo that will be a fantastic addition in class.
You can purchase a version for your home or studio here.
Growing up in India and based in the US, the young Korean artist quickly becomes a recognized artist with her signature bold yet refined style.
Notable projects under her belt include these books, a farmers market project, and illustrations for prestigious media outlets. More about her artwork is readily available here.
A true world citizen, Subin shares a few thoughts on her art and she reflects on her vast experience living in different countries and crossing cultures while cultivating her art. Follow Subin Yang on instagram @subinie94
Was there ever a time when you knew that you would become an artist, or was that path clear early on?
Mostly, I grew thinking art is very fun and something I think I’m good at. My parents were also super supportive of making a creative environment where I could draw and make art whenever I wanted to. I seriously started thinking about becoming an illustrator in high school, when I was deciding to go to an art school for college. However, it was definitely a natural procedure, as I knew I loved to draw and that I was also serious about making it a career.
How did you start creating yoga illustrations?
It started with when I started doing yoga myself!
I’ve never been a very sporty person but I know the joy of being fit and how good it feels to have a body that is light and strong.
In college, I usually ran to keep in shape but I learned the importance of stretching and developing your core muscles from my aunt who is an Iyengar yoga instructor.
Portland had many good yoga studios around and I got hooked immediately. I loved that it’s calming and meditative but also detailed and sophisticated. Most of all, yoga is an extremely efficient workout that utilizes all of your body!
The yoga illustrations were something I’d been planning since I’d started enjoying yoga and I was offered to join a group show at an amazing feminist design store called Project Object so I got them done in time.
Who are your design heroes?
My design heroes, there are too many! But to choose a few: Louise Bourgeois, Tove Janssen, Matisse, Maria Ramos, Olga Capdevila, Misaki Kawai, Miju Lee, and Beatrice Alemagna
What are your greatest sources of inspiration?
My biggest inspirations are my childhood memories and the world I live in currently. Of course, as an artist, it’s impossible to remove the self from the work but for me I think it’s even more obvious.
In terms of subject matter, the topic of home and identity inspire me the most to draw. They are the reason why I’m so inspired to draw food from different places. I think that home is not an eternal or a physical place, but really the intangible relationships that are formed between you and the people from that place. In a sense, food is also like that. You have to take your time to make good food (just like a good relationship), eat it and enjoy the food in the present moment, and when you finish the food, the memory of it will remain although it may be gone physically.
Other than that color plays a huge role in my work as inspirations! Often times, I’d have color palettes saved up, more so than a list of subject matters, and wait for the perfect match.
Any life hack you can share as yogi or artist?
My biggest life hack is not thinking too much and not worrying ahead. I’m actually a huge worrywart (explains why I love yoga so much and meditating to declutter my mind) and often times, even when I don’t feel ready to do something, it’s best to just start it right then. Even if you are not ready, at least you’ll have done something than nothing!
What would you say if you had the chance to advise your younger self?
I’d tell her to be confident in her work and to share her work with more people. Also not to be afraid of trying out new styles and don’t worry too much about the future that hasn’t even happened. Always think and be in the present.
Which Asana keeps you on your toes right now?
My all time favorite Asana is down dog. I love the way it stretches out my entire back of the legs and the upper body at the same time. It may hurt at first but once you are relaxed and flexible, there is no fresher feeling.
Take a look at The Yoga Poster by Subin Yang for Creative Kimiyo and purchase it here.