We had the good fortune of connecting with Chiang Yomei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yomei, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is by the legendary artist Agnes Martin:

‘Inspiration is there all the time. For everyone whose mind is not clouded over with thoughts, whether they realise it or not.’

As an artist and Buddhist practitioner, I’ve come to understand that what stifles creativity and blocks inspiration is attachment and fixation. Ideas and expectations become obstacles if we are too fixated on them. Only when we free ourselves from the habit of attachment can we find contentment in work and life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a child I spent a lot of time on my own. The world of words and images has always been a haven for me. There I found a space without limitations and borders; this is where my winding creative path began. My family was not in favour of of me becoming an artist, so I started out studying art history and even worked in finance for a short while. I finally went to art school in my late twenties, and haven’t looked back. Like many artists I started exhibiting in group shows. When my daughter was born I continued to work though I put my career on hold until she was older. I had my first solo show in London in 2007. In 2011 I began exhibiting with Tina Keng Gallery in Taipei and have since been showing both at the main gallery in Taipei and in major international art fairs. I also write poetry and short stories. My third volume of poetry will be published by INK Publishing in 2023.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being based in London my dream trip would have to include breakfast at Dishoom in Shoreditch, a Bombay-Irani café, a wander around the area, Borough Market for lunch, a visit to Kew Gardens in the afternoon and dinner at Paradise, a Sri Lankan bistro in Soho.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way. Firstly my husband and daughter who have been endlessly encouraging and patient, my Buddhist teacher who has helped to keep me on the path, dear friends who have supported me through thick and thin and finally the gallerist Tina Keng (tinakenggallery.com), whose belief in me never wavered and has promoted my work so expertly that I am able to fully concentrate on doing what I love. I am also indebted to Teresa Chiang at Ink Publishing for her continued confidence in my written work.

Website: www.chiangyomei.com

Instagram: @chiangyomeiart

Image Credits
Artist photo © Ada Ong Artwork photography © Hugh Gilbert

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