Yochi Yakir-Avin: An Introspective Journey
Yochi Yakir-Avin uses everyday materials to create mixed-media explorations of her own memories. Her often interactive installations, such as Unpacking Memories, allows the viewer to experience Yakir-Avin’s artistic introspection.
How and when did you know you wanted to be an artist?
At the age of 12, I discovered my passion for art and knew deep down that I wanted to become an artist. However, I didn't receive much encouragement at that time. My mother, a hardworking single parent, faced financial struggles, making it difficult to nurture my artistic aspirations. Due to the circumstances, my life was characterized by constant change, as I frequently moved and had to adapt to new friends, schools, and environments. Uncertainty became a part of my everyday existence, demanding quick responses to unforeseen circumstances. Despite these challenges, I remained a creative and curious child, always surrounded by friends and constantly engaged in creative endeavors. I would make use of any available materials, transforming them into something artistic. My insatiable curiosity and drive pushed me to seek out new experiences and knowledge. Despite objections and doubts from others regarding my artistic enthusiasm, I remained unwavering in my confidence and commitment. Finally, when I gained admission to art school, I felt a sense of validation. It affirmed that I had found my rightful place to further explore and develop my artistic talents.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My motivation as an artist stems from many sources, including my personal life experiences, emotions, and inner journeys. These encompass significant events, relationships, and moments of introspection. For me, art serves as a venue for self-expression and reflection, a tool for healing and mending. In addition to my personal experiences, I draw inspiration from various external sources. Art history and visual culture provide me a wealth of inspiration, as I explore the works of past and contemporary artists, allowing their influence to shape my creative process. Literature and poetry hold a special place in my artistic inspiration, as I seek to translate the written word into visually compelling forms, capturing the essence and emotions they evoke. Music, with its captivating rhythms and melodies, also influences my artistic expression, leading me to create visual representations that resonate with the auditory experience. The natural world, with its boundless beauty, offers endless inspiration. The play of light and shadow, the vibrant colors, the textures of objects, and the harmonious composition of elements all captivate my artistic senses. Ultimately, I find inspiration anywhere and in anything that stirs my curiosity, evokes strong emotions, or sparks my imagination. Whether it's the simplest of things or the most profound concepts, I find inspiration in the vastness of the world around me.
What themes do you explore in your work?
The main themes of my work are time and memory, with a focus on the reconstruction of memory. I delve into the profound impact that memory has on our perception of the world. Memories play an integral role in my artistic practice. I explore and incorporate memories to gain a deeper understanding of their significance and invite viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys. As a multidisciplinary artist, I engage in a journey of discovery through various materials, techniques, and concepts. This approach allows me to express myself in unique and thought-provoking ways. My artistic exploration encompasses a wide range of mediums. By working with different materials, I can evoke different emotions and create diverse visual experiences. In my creative process, I purposefully employ disarming materials such as cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard, and brown paper. These seemingly humble materials possess a unique ability to evoke a sense of temporality and the passage of time. They bear witness to the enduring impressions of the past, as if time has left its marks on them.
How do you start a new piece?
Creating each new artwork is a unique and dynamic process that never follows a fixed formula. Sometimes, it all starts with a vision that emerges while I'm still half asleep in the early morning. To ensure I don't forget it upon waking up, I make a conscious effort to etch it into my memory and then document it through writing or sketching the basic concept. From there, the journey begins. This initial inspiration often sets the stage for a series of artworks, where one piece leads naturally to the next. This approach allows for the gradual development and expansion of ideas over time, resulting in a cohesive body of work that shares a common thread. It enables me to explore a concept or theme more deeply, uncovering its intricacies and nuances along the way. One of the aspects I truly enjoy is experimenting with different materials. Each material has its own unique qualities, textures, colors, and forms. By diving into the exploration of a particular material, I tap into its potential and discover unexpected surprises. Starting with the material that inspires me at that moment, I trust the process and embrace the joy of uncovering its possibilities. Ultimately, my creative process is about embracing the unknown and finding excitement in every step. It's about trusting the journey, allowing room for experimentation, and welcoming the unexpected. By immersing myself in the joy and enthusiasm of the creative process, I unlock the true potential of each artwork, bringing it to life with a sense of authenticity and discovery.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist most?
The years I spent in art school have left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. It was a transformative period when my family and I made a significant move from Israel to Italy, where I had the privilege of being accepted into the esteemed Fine Art academy “Brera” in Milan. Immersed in a vibrant community of fellow artists and accomplished professors, each day became a celebration of art.
The academy itself, along with the rich artistic heritage of the city, offered an abundance of inspiration and resources that greatly influenced and shaped my artistic vision. Surrounded by the works of masters and enveloped in an environment dedicated to the pursuit of art, my horizons expanded, and my creative world blossomed.
During my third year, a pivotal milestone presented itself as I secured a shared studio space with two fellow artists. This development proved to be instrumental in the evolution of my work, providing me with a sanctuary where time was no longer a constraint. The freedom to delve into my artistic process without limitations allowed my creativity to flourish and mature. The art school years, characterized by the opportunities and experiences I encountered, propelled my artistic development in profound ways. It was a time of exploration, growth, and connection, where the foundations of my artistic voice were solidified. I am immensely grateful for those transformative years that have left an enduring impact on my artistic practice and continue to shape the path I tread today.
What advice do you have for newer artists just getting started in their career?
Your journey as an artist is a perpetual learning experience. Embrace the opportunity to explore various art genres, dedicating yourself to consistent daily practice. Seek out your artistic community, for they will provide support and inspiration along the way. Share your work with others and actively seek feedback from artists you admire. Be open to criticism, whether it be constructive or critical, as it is through this process that growth occurs. The more you delve into the realm of art, the more you realize the vastness of knowledge that lies before you.
What are your future goals and aspirations as an artist?
In 2022, I had the privilege of presenting my personal exhibition and installation titled "The Memory Catcher," which showcased my Memory Project, in Sunrise, Florida. The experience was truly rewarding, and I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to share my work. What makes it even more exciting is that in just a few months, this exhibition will embark on a new chapter, traveling to two additional esteemed venues in Florida. This has further fueled my ambitious vision for the future of my Memory Project. I am driven to transform it into a captivating personal museum exhibition, one that has the power to touch the hearts and minds of a broader audience and engage with viewers on a profound level. To bring this vision to life, I am actively exploring avenues to secure a national grant. Such funding would provide invaluable support, enabling me to curate a comprehensive exhibition that encompasses the depth and breadth of my Memory Project. It is my sincere hope that this exhibition will not only showcase my artistic journey but also serve as a source of inspiration and reflection for those who encounter it.
Instagram: @yochiyakiravin