Lan Yao

I would say my experiences as a child sparked the paintings I make now. My life was an endless cycle of homework, music lessons and academic pursuits strictly regulated by my parents. Most days were spent sitting at a desk doing math equations. During these times, my imagination flourished, I made up creatures who became the friends I yearned for deeply. These creatures had histories, backgrounds, hierarchies but most of all, they were free and I was one of them.

Now, the landscapes I paint are inspired often by hikes through the coastal rainforests of British Columbia. In these landscapes I have created a safe, free space for my inner child to roam, explore and play. This space is boundless, wild and free to all. I paint large scale on both wood panel and canvas. I primarily use acrylic, graphite and ink.

I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and a degree in 3D Animation and Visual Effects from Vancouver Film School.