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

Hi Angel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was 12, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. The condition was a significant blow to my body image and self-esteem. The social enforcement of beauty standards put pressure on me that as a female I have to have a perfect body. I had to go through many doctor’s appointments and every appointment was colored with pain, embarrassment, and a distinct disconnect from my ideal self.

It was the time when I started to realize my passion for art that it has added so much meaning to my life and it also served as an emotional outlet for me. Art allowed me to face myself and help me to realize that the body I used to hate, is actually really beautiful and I want to use that to help people embrace their bodies and appreciate their beauty of themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m curious and passionate about humanity and the human experience in this world. My art focuses on the human aspects both emotionally and physically. I want to help people visualize the beauty of human bodies and see that healing is an amazing and breathtaking process. I also want to use my art to encourage and accept imperfection, vulnerability, and shame.

Eventually, I want to use my art and create a platform where people have an outlet to talk about taboo and vulnerable topics and most importantly, to embrace themselves and not be ashamed of who they are. I’m using my gift in visual art and starting a healthcare business where people feel free to talk about their health, and their bodies and to live without shame.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love fashion, movies, coffee shops, and food. I’ve been into vintage for quite some time and I love to collect vintage clothing and accessories. I would definitely take my friends to some cool vintage shops. After that, I would take them and hang out at some artsy coffee shops. Food is also very important. I would take them to restaurants that offer local and unique foods. And finally, I would take my friends to the theater and enjoy a good movie with some popcorn.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to my parents who were always there to support me and make me the person I am today. My mom who is a breast cancer survivor has taught me strength and hope. Watching her go through breast cancer and accept a body that most would consider imperfect empowered me to do the same.

I also want to shout out to my friend Jess Kszos, with who I collaborated on a project called A Connection. It was a series of photographs that documented our journey with scoliosis. Jess taught me the courage to accept the most imperfect but the most beautiful part of myself.

Website: linktr.ee/yang0311/

Instagram: @art.yang_ and angel_y311

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-yang-374819162/

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