Cynthia Yu From Pain to Beauty – Seeds of the League

For as long as I can remember, art has always piqued my interest and I’ve always admired people who could easily whip up a sketch or painting and produce something beautiful. Since my parents are art gallery directors, I had the privilege of traveling abroad with them to art fairs. I was exposed to many sculptures, paintings, and museums from all over the world. Inspired, I drew whenever and wherever I could. Not to mention, some of the artists my parents know have come to The Art Students League to brush up on their skills and get some professional practice.

I want more than anything to be a tattoo artist when I grow up because I am fascinated by the concept of how someone can turn such pain into beauty and how scars don’t have to be wounds. I’ve finally found an outlet for my art that motivates me to practice and improve myself and it’s given me a purpose

An artist that strikes me ever since I first saw his art at my parents’ gallery is José Molina. His surrealist black and gray pencil pieces are my favorite since surrealism is personally my favorite art style. Incredibly detailed like a photo, he draws the most grotesquely exaggerated features of the human and makes captivating scenes and expressions in his work. One day, I want to be able to manipulate the proportions of my subjects, include fine details, and operate my way around a canvas with such expertise as he does.