CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
YO: I would not really know how to describe it, but many of my collaborations are female or gender oriented.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
YO: As a child I used to find inspiration in nature, books, music, movies… and I still do.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
YO: I would say it changes but starts by finding a spot where I feel at ease, playing some music, reading about the topic to find the mood of it and then brainstorming and sketching. Sometimes I have to work and develop different ideas to come up with the final one.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
YO: I just would love to get people inspired or moved by illustration as I do.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
YO: Well, we have moved to a little house in the mountains and life is different from the city. Workwise I still do the same freelance work but from a peaceful and calm spot with a green view.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
YO: I think even with a particular direction I initially act on impulse and see where it takes the project, that is why I normally work out more than one idea at a time depending on the project.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
YO: That is a long road and never to give up.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
YO: I believe communicating emotion and getting others inspired by what we do is the most relevant thing.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
YO: Being an artist is not difficult because it is essentially a part of who we are, but to make a living out of it is a different matter. It takes patience, dedication and love.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
YO: Personally the freedom and lightness of letting go of control. While drawing sometimes you reach a moment when you just flow and get lost in the process.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
YO: I draw inspiration from many different artists like Louise Bourgeois, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Agnes Martin, Kiki Smith, Paul Klee, Matisse, Henri Rousseau, Tina Modotti or Francesca Woodman.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
YO: On the one hand I see technology as a tool that facilitates work but behind it there is always human creativity.
On the other hand it is a giant medium to connect people and share information in such a large scale that sometimes it is scary.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
YO: I believe we all share a spark of madness and creativity that brings beauty and character to everything around us, so in essence we all are different kind of artists.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
YO: I definitely love traveling. Different cities, cultures and ideas are the fuel of creativity. I would not say I have a favorite city but I do enjoy living in Barcelona for its originality and diversity.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
YO: Sooo many, books are nothing else but a true treasure to me! I love The Brontë sisters, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Jean Rhys, M. Duras, H.Hesse, M. Bulgakov, Murakami, Jamaica Kincaid, Wally Lamb, and the list could go on…
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
YO: I am constantly trying to challenge myself. My next step is to work towards a childrens book and keep up figuring out ways to freelance my work.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
YO: Being and artist is doing what you love even if sometimes you cannot make a living out of it. It means just doing what makes you happy.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
YO: Literally is the Sea Birds by Burning Hearts.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
YO: Not really, I would simply love for people to be moved by it.
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