Today we’d like to introduce you to Feibai Yang.
Hi Feibai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before coming to the United States to pursue my MFA in Illustration Practice, I studied Wildlife and Nature Reserve Management in China. Although I didn’t stay in that field after graduation, my connection with nature never disappeared. I worked in several different industries for a few years, but I always felt I hadn’t found the work I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Everything changed when I picked up the paintbrush. Art reawakened my love for nature and created a positive cycle in my life: observing nature inspires my work, creating art gives me a sense of fulfillment, and that fulfillment encourages me to return to nature with even greater curiosity.
As I continued studying illustration, I realized I hadn’t chosen illustration simply because I wanted to become an artist. I chose it because I had finally found a way to express myself. Through illustration, I can share my love for nature, my imagination, my humor, and the way I see the world.
That realization eventually brought me to the United States to pursue an MFA in Illustration Practice at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where I continued developing my own visual language.
Since then, my relationship with nature has only become stronger. I continue to work with conservation organizations and volunteer in ecological projects. Whether I’m monitoring macaw nests in Costa Rica, planting trees with Friends of Jones Falls in Baltimore, or simply observing birds in local parks, I see these experiences as part of the same creative practice. They continually deepen my understanding of the natural world and find their way into my work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think most of my struggles were about finding my own voice and trusting it.
Before pursuing my MFA, I was largely self-taught through online courses rather than a formal art education. When I arrived at MICA, I was surrounded by incredibly talented classmates with strong technical skills and a wide range of artistic approaches. For a while, I questioned whether I should broaden my subject matter or change the direction of my work.
As I kept creating, I gradually realized that my experiences, thoughts, and observations naturally find their way into my work as long as I stay curious about both myself and the world. And creativity and personal perspective are what truly make an artist’s work meaningful. That realization gave me much more confidence in my own path.
Another challenge has been learning to paint more freely. There was a period in the past, I often created illustrations for conservation organizations, where scientific accuracy and realism were essential. Over time, that way of working quietly influenced even my personal projects, and I found myself becoming too cautious. I’m still learning to loosen my brushstrokes, leave room for spontaneity, and let a little more breeze into my illustrations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Because of my interests of nature, the natural world has always been at the heart of my work. Rather than simply drawing what I see, I enjoy weaving together real observations, scientific knowledge, stories I’ve read, and my own imagination. I like creating worlds where nature feels both familiar and a little magical, often with a touch of humor.
Right now, I explore materials and media not only on paper or a screen, but also through wood, ceramics, graphic design, and more. The way I express my ideas has changed, but the topic of my work hasn’t. My work still reflects the care and respect I have for the natural world. Through my work, I hope to share my own values and encourage people to slow down, look more closely, and build a deeper emotional connection with the living world around them. If someone finishes looking at my work feeling a little happier, a little more curious, or with a greater love for nature than before, then I feel I’ve succeeded as an illustrator.
That way of thinking also shapes the emotional tone of my work. If there’s one thing I’m most proud of, it’s that my work always returns to a sense of optimism. Even when I’m responding to difficult emotions or experiences, creating helps me process them and eventually transform them into something hopeful. I hope that feeling is something viewers can take away from my work as well.
How do you think about happiness?
A lot of things make me happy: hiking or simply walking in the woods, seeing a duck, watching the color of the sky before a heavy rain, playing ultimate frisbee, working out, visiting art museums, talking with good friends, enjoying good food, creating a piece of work I’m happy with, and many more.
Because happiness is not a difficult thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://funbyfeibai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feibai_yang/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feibai-yang-483784414/
