Detail from the Sketchbook 2016

Recent works: 2016/2017

Whether painting, drawing, taking photos, sculpting, making jewelry out of scrap metals and reclaimed pieces, hosting workshops, teaching classes or in session with art therapy, the creative process is always alive, changing and thriving. ​

The daily profile


Once upon a time and a few months back, I was challenged to create a drawing-a-day for 30 days.  This provocation of creative output tested my resolve, my ability, and pushed me in ways that were unexpected and often cathartic.  I explored why I made art, what it means to be both an artist and an art therapist, how to represent the dualities specific to my experiences, i.e. what is presented outwardly versus what is felt on the inside, as well as the dualities of helping others through the creative process but often neglecting myself. What arrived were these: psychological profiles—a daily visual diary of changing moods and experiences that have outlasted their 30 day inception and have become the accompaniment to the days, weeks and months that have marched on and continue forward. As is true to every day, the experiences shift, expand, change and continue to tell stories unique to me and yet seemingly universal in feeling. 

"I dreamt of Monarchs" exhibition

I dreamt of monarchs / I dreamt of hiding / away in dormancy / in the chrysalis womb / quiescent / not knowing /
transformation was happening / but knowing / that something was / definitely different.
I dreamt of change. / I dreamt of possibility. /  I dreamt of growing wings / traversing and flitting / a dance across the sky
to fields of an inevitable future. 

Summer Garden series

Gouache and ink paintings

100 Love Notes project

A homage to his beloved wife who died from ovarian cancer, Hyong Yi created "The 100 Love Notes Project: A Love Story" book.  This book represents their love-story and lifetime of promises cut short by cancer, written in 3-lined notes, illustrated by 17 artists from around North Carolina. This story and the book have been featured on NBC and ABC Nightly News, Good Morning America and the Today Show.  Media from around the world--the Toronto Star, Sky News (UK), Huffington Post and more have picked up the story as well. Below are 3 of the 4 images contributed to the book.  All works are now a part of the 100 Love Notes Foundation. Books are available on Amazon, at Target, Barnes & Noble and local bookstores around Charlotte. 

Contour drawings/paintings

From the Sketchbook
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