La Voz

Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Antoinette Luzano Artist Yu-Ting Hsian, with her piece "Serious Artist."

Media Credit: Antoinette Luzano Painter Yu-Ting Hsian also enjoys illustrating and making sculptures.

"I was not born to be an artist," says Yu-Ting Hsian, "I am just a hardworking person."

Yu-Ting Hsian began attending De Anza in 2001 as an international student. The 35-year-old fine arts major moved to California from Taiwan, knowing that she would have more freedom in college.

"When I was young, my family prohibited me from doing art because they wanted me to focus on schoolwork," Hsian said. "My family didn't encourage me."

Hsian first pursued art in elementary school. And though most of her portfolio consists of oil paintings and illustrations, Hsian did not always want to be a painter.

"When I was very young, I started reading Japanese comic books, and I loved [them]," Hsian said. "In the beginning, I wanted to be manga artist."

Hsian's expressionistic style is obvious through one of her favorite paintings: her self-portrait. Titled "Serious Artist," the painting is a visual representation of Hsian's love for art, as well as her decision to pursue art.

Hsian says, "I'm sometimes confused about what I should do: take care of my family or pursue my goal."

Because Hsian is married and has a child, she must think of their futures, as well.

Clearly, Hsian has found a balance between the two. Last year, she received honorable mention at the 2006-2007 National Student Art Competition, hosted by Santa Fe Community College.

Her painting was later exhibited by De Anza's Euphrat Museum Of Art.

"I felt surprised," Hsian said. "Happy, but surprised."

In the past, Hsian also had her work featured at an exhibition in Taiwan.

Hsian does not do art for the awards, but for the freedom. Rather than sticking to a formula, people can do anything they like when it comes to art, she says.

Despite her success, Hsian still does not receive support from her family for her pursuit of art.

"I feel that I have to work really hard to prove that I can do it and to prove that I can have some kind of achievement," she said.

Hsian's inspiration comes from people. One of her favorite artists is Van Gogh because of his style and how he "devoted [his life] to art."

"People [inspire] me because some people are really talented in their fields." Personally she is inspired by how passionate some artists can be about their work. "I want to be someone devoted to something."

When Hsian finishes college, she plans on either becoming an artist or an art teacher. Eventually, she would like to try other forms of art, particularly manga in either the fantasy or science fiction genres.

In Taiwan, Hsian also did a clay sculpture that satirically depicted the Russian and U.S. presidents of that time.

"Through art, anyone can express himself or herself, and I think that kind of self expression is important for everyone," she said. "You can learn more about yourself from that kind of thinking."



Antoinette Luzano is a staff reporter for La Voz. Contact her at antoinetteluzano@lavozdeanza.com.

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