Yameng Lee Thorp (b. 1982) is an Oakland, California based artist. Her first love is watercolor on paper. As a child, she was fascinated by her Grandmother’s delicate paintings - with one quick brushstroke, she would make the shapes of a sparrow or a chrysanthemum petal.  

A few years ago, Yameng began making abstract works using watercolor, graphite and ink to depict surreal scenes of “escape.” Her work draws inspiration from a wide range of sources rooted in her birthplace of China, and her place of upbringing in South Africa. She is inspired by the inky landscapes of Zhang Daqian, the monumental color field paintings of Helen Frankenthaler, and textures, patterns on the costumes of African tribal ceremony dancers.  

Most recently, she is exploring themes of mystery as response to a dream-like “visitation” that took place during her college years in Cape Town. Using gouache as a medium, she works in layers on indigo-dyed paper to tease out shapes and forms to help capture the magical subconscious. Through thickly painted marks, shapes and textures, influenced by the costumes of African ceremony dancers and nature, the works conjure a sense of magic, mystery, and underlying life force that animates all things.  

Yameng’s personal experience of having lived through generational trauma in a repressive society to unpacking the in-between-ness of being an immigrant are the subconscious layers that propelled her to pursue art full time. Now 6 years into her practice, she is at a critical and exciting juncture to launch her career onto the next level.

https://www.yamengleethorp.com/

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

Coming from a family of artists, I had a deep inclination to do something creative with my life since I could remember. But it wasn't until the recent years that I started to see a fuller picture. I've always had creative jobs but they are just jobs at the end of the day, creating for somebody else. Making art professionally kind of started naturally for me as I tend to look for meaning behind things quite often, and to me this has become very clear. It's a calling, and it's something I must do.  

Whether fellow artist or friend, who has continued to inspire your work?

Artists from the past continue to inspire my work. Paul Klee's watercolors, Louise Bourgeois's paintings of the unconscious, my grandmother's inky peonies and painted birds, and my own memories of growing up in South Africa in its vibrant culture are all inspirations to my work. Present day, Sky Glabush, Adam Lee, and Emily Ferretti.

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What do you enjoy exploring through your art

I'm interested in exploring family history, lineage, and walking the line between dreams and reality. My source of inspiration comes from folklores and fairytales from the two diverse cultures (Chinese and South African) that accompanied my childhood. Simultaneously, I'm trying to peel away the layers of trauma through my painting. Some of my work looks at the jarring experiences of being an immigrant which comes with multitudes of shocking cultural differences and the feeling of in-betweenness.

Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?

Unlearn what you've been taught and have some fun!

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

Not sure I would prescribe anything, but I hope they're a little bit intrigued.