Everyday Talent Podcast

Ep 16. Never be defined by one art form with Yi Shi

October 30, 2022 Betty Xie Episode 16
Everyday Talent Podcast
Ep 16. Never be defined by one art form with Yi Shi
Show Notes

“Let my work speak for me” is the mantra of many artists’. When we look at an artist's work, we get immersed in the beauty, the craftsmanship, and the style, without knowing the behind-the-scenes process. And it’s not just the process of honing making the art, but also the process of transformation, reinventing oneself, finding belonging, and taking risks. 

Today on the podcast, we are going behind the scenes with the celebrated tattooer and multidisciplinary artist Yi Shi. Yi shares with us their journey of building their tattoo practice as a first generation Chinese immigrant in Canada, and their process of continuously learning and expanding their points of view and interests as a multidisciplinary artist. 

Key highlights of this episode 

  • How Yi started their tattoo practice
  • The balance between abstract thinking and creative practice
  • Advice on working as an immigrant and freelance artist
  • The pros and cons of being self-employed tattoo artist
  • How imposter syndrome showed up for Yi
  • Yi’s ongoing journey in exploring filmmaking and other forms of arts

About the Guest

Yi is a queer Chinese multidisciplinary artist and tattooer born and raised in Hangzhou, China, currently based in Tkaronto, aka Toronto, Canada. Their works seek to investigate the complexity of human emotions - vulnerability, grief, and diasporic longings.

Find Yi at:

If you’re in Toronto, check out Yi’s short film Once in a Red Moon as part of the Unsung Voices program at the 2022 Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival 

About Betty

Follow me on Instagram @bettyxcoach for more resources and my behind-the-scenes story working as a creative and a coach for creatives

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The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.