Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
Welcome to 15 Questions With…, a new interview series in which art writer Gary Grimes picks the brains of artists, curators and other creatives to understand what makes them tick through a series of quick-fire questions. This series aims to showcase the varying approaches creatives take to making art and how their relationships to the so-called art world differ, but also reveal what unites those responsible for the art we love.
Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. Having graduated from the Kingston School of Art in 2017, she has gone on to work with clients including Rimowa, De Beers, The New Yorker, Reformation, HarperCollins, and more. Artist residencies include Seoul and Jeju Island in Korea, and Bahia, Brazil. Her hand-drawn, mixed-media work aims to play with everyday perspectives, continuously warping the ways we view things.
1. What is your earliest memory of a work of art?
I remember one of my first illustrated books - The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It was incredibly detailed and did so much world-building in the illustrations. The sort of thing you could look at over and over again and find something new.
2. Where do you turn to when you're in need of inspiration?
I read a book, watch a film, and listen to an album from front to back. There are so many different forms of art, so I'll just dip into another world, and it naturally starts to inspire whatever I do.
3. What do you like to do when you need to take a break from your practice?
At the moment, I've fallen back in love with knitting. I liked to knit when I was little, but now seeing the huge knitting community online makes it really accessible to learn new patterns and techniques. I'm trying to make a hood right now for winter. It's a good way to move your hands without thinking, very therapeutic.
4. Who is your favourite artist?
I definitely couldn't pick one favourite as there are countless incredible artists, but one I'm revisiting a lot recently is Felix Vallotton - for the lush colour palettes, the choice perspectives and framing of an image.
5. What's the biggest crime an artist can commit?
Not going the whole hog!
6. Which gallery or museum should everyone try to visit at least once in their life?
I love Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Nooks and crannies, art, a historical time machine of a place.
7. What is the worst thing about the art world?
That it can feel like a private club.
8. Whose opinions on art do you actually care about?
My friends. My own.
9. What's your favourite piece of art that you own and why?
I have an artwork by Jiye Kim (@kamidamikim), my friend and an incredible artist. It depicts someone having their haircut. It's so simple and effortless, and it reminds me of my parents, who used to own a hairdresser's.
10. Who are the last three musical artists you listened to?
At the moment I'm listening to lots of Mk.gee, Audrey Hobert.. and because it's autumn, I go back into the Bon Iver discography and listen to it all...
11. What's your favourite colour and why?
This changes, at this very moment - an egg yolk, rich, rich yellow.
12. What three items would you grab if your house was burning down?
Not an item, but I would grab my cat, Mitsy. She would be first. Then, rather practically, my computer… then maybe my jewellery box?
13. Which work of yours are you proudest of and why?
I've loved some of the collaboration pieces I've done. I created a couple of designs for the brand Chilly’s, and that always gives me joy, seeing people use the bottles and showing the artwork in a practical setting.
Also, any piece that seems to really connect to people. I drew a moment of how my cat comes to greet you when you come home, and I think it reminded people of their own pets doing the same. I love that, holding a tiny spotlight on little special moments that happen to all of us.
14. Which work of yours took the longest to perfect and why?
I actually try not to spend too long on work at all! I always think the best things are the small little initial prep sketches for artwork, because they hold so much energy and intention in them. The longer you spend working on things, the tighter the movements and choices tend to get. So for me, it's all about a balance of getting detail in and retaining that original energy. If I spend too long, then it can sometimes make a piece feel off!
15. Where do you hope to take your practice next - is there a new area you are hoping to explore in some way?
I've spent most of my art practice working quite small, so I'm working on creating drawings that are bigger at the moment. Bigger, looser brushstrokes, more daring.
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