Katie Yang ’25 is a three-year Senior from Lexington, Massachusetts. She is a design editor for ink., senior advisor to Females for Finance, co-editor of the Hotchkiss Review, and member of Girls Varsity Swimming. Katie hopes to continue her artistic career in college.
How did you get started as an artist?
I started drawing when I was very young. It started out as a hobby; I just loved to make art. I began painting and focusing more on art during the pandemic, when I spent a lot of time at home.
I mostly do oil paintings, but I also love to do colored pencil drawings. Realism is definitely my favorite style, but I like to experiment with expressionism— that’s something I hope to do more of in the future.
Who are your artistic inspirations?
My teachers. They encourage me to think about the purpose behind my art. Their guidance helps me go deeper into my ideas and the inspiration for my pieces.
I take inspiration from Monet and many modern artists, including Rosy Kesyer and Judy Pfaff, as well as Chinese American artist Hung Liu.
I am inspired by my family and culture and what art means to us. Art is a way for people to express themselves— you can tell a lot of stories through just one painting, or a series, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my work.
What is a favorite piece that you’ve made?
There’s a 36’ by 40’ oil painting I made last spring, entitled “Taste of Home.” I was working with a new style and with colors I use less often, but it turned out really well. It depicts a scene during my trip to China last December, specifically a meal I had with all my relatives. The painting tries to convey the sense of comfort and belonging I felt with my family through the tradition of a shared meal.
How has the school influenced you as an artist?
I have been taking studio art and portfolio classes for all of my three years here. We have a lot of incredible resources and unique opportunities for growth and development. My teachers here, Ms. Terri Moore and Ms. Colleen Mac-Guire, provide amazing resources for exhibiting my work, whether in museums or the school gallery. What advice would you give to young artists? Oftentimes, your first piece isn’t going to turn out how you want it to, and that’s okay. If you’re really passionate about art and expression, pursue them. Just don’t give up on yourself or your work.
