Does the "starving artist" myth define the Hong Kong art scene, or is it time to change the narrative?

In this episode of Making It, we sit down with YC, a self-described "simple, fun woman" and one of the most uninhibited voices in the Hong Kong art scene.

From being placed in art classes as "daycare" at age six to navigating the realities of high rent and ageism in local galleries, YC shares her journey with refreshing honesty. We dive deep into her unique creative process—transforming photos of tree bark into abstract villages—and her philosophy that art should be a "love letter to yourself." YC challenges us to take off the "masks" (and the black clothes) that so many Hong Konger's wear and simply embrace the fun of being alive.

If you are an artist tired of the "starving" label, or someone looking to break free from societal expectations, this conversation is for you.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• The Origin Story: How a childhood "daycare" art class turned into a lifelong calling.
• Visual Alchemy: YC's unique method of finding hidden worlds in tree bark and wood grain.
• The HK Reality: The truth about high rent, ageism in galleries, and the "starving artist" stigma.
• East Meets West: How her American-Italian aunt and travels in China shaped her fusion style.
• The Vision: Why Hong Kong needs a "Wine & Dine Festival"—but for local artists.
• Life Philosophy: Why YC believes "the more I meet people, the more I love my dog."

Start listening to reframe your own creative journey.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro: Why we are having this conversation

01:36 - Who is YC? (The "Fun Woman" of HK Art)

02:40 - Started at 6: Art class as "daycare"

06:00 - The Process: Talking to the canvas & tree bark inspiration

11:08 - East Meets West: The influence of Aunt Maria

16:58 - Why abstract art is harder than it looks

20:00 - "Life is Short": Why YC refuses to wear black

21:58 - What's Next: Getting messy with pottery

25:40 - The #1 Challenge: High rent & "Starving Artists"

30:30 - The truth about Ageism in Hong Kong galleries

36:53 - The Vision: A "Street Fair" for Local Artists

40:48 - Final Message: Take off the mask & be yourself

QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:

"The more I meet people, the more I love my dog... Why you have to put a mask on? Just be yourself." - YC

"I know I will be an artist... but I end up becoming an artist, a starving artist. I don't know whether my mom is proud of me or not, but I'm an artist now." - YC

"Life is short... Today I can be a lady. Tomorrow I can be boyish or sporty. Why not? Life should be fun." - YC

ABOUT THE GUEST:

YC is a Hong Kong-based artist known for her "East meets West" style and her unique ability to find patterns and stories in natural textures like tree bark. Describing herself as a "fun, funny woman," she creates art as a form of personal diary, refusing to be restricted by a single style or societal expectation.

ABOUT THE HOST:

Alex See is on a mission to make Hong Kong a place where artists and creatives can thrive. Through Making It, Alex interviews the minds shaping the culture to uncover what it takes to succeed in the creative industries.

CONNECT WITH US:

Subscribe for more conversations on creativity and the Hong Kong art scene!

📸 Instagram: @makingitwithalexsee