Ever since I was a child, I’ve explored every creative outlet I could find—drawing at age five, cross-stitch at six, and even fashioning Barbie furniture from household scraps by ten. In high school, I added acrylic painting, knitting, and crocheting to my repertoire. All the while, art remained my private sanctuary—a safe space to process life’s emotions.

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After earning a degree in History with a minor in Anthropology, I spent time tutoring Mathematics and English, embraced life as a stay-at-home mom, and worked in daycare. No matter my role, I kept creating, channeling every feeling—pain, joy, love—into my paintings.

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It was during my daycare days that I asked myself why I continued sidelining my passion. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I’d never truly believed I could be an artist—I was afraid of sharing something so personal and of failing.

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Today, bolstered by years of support from friends, family, and especially my husband (who recognized my creativity back at seventeen), I’m taking that first step. I’m proud to share my artwork with you—welcome to my artistic journey.

 

Youa Vang