UV: Are you an East Bay native? If not, where do you come from and what drew you here?
JY: No, I'm not an East Bay native. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but I moved here as an infant and have lived here ever since. I attended school in the East Bay and raised my children here, all of whom still live in the East Bay with their children.

UV: Who or what are your biggest influences?
JY: I have had so many influences on my art. My husband Stan and children Donna, Scott and Brett inspire me to try different styles and they don't let me give up when I'm feeling tired or discouraged. All of my art teachers have been influences on my work and have helped me grow as an artist so much. I get ideas and inspiration every day from nature, history, and just from people that I see on the street.

UV: Describe your relationship to your medium?
JY: I've always worked in oils, and find that I learn more about the medium every day. I've been working in oils for thirty years, and feel that I improve and discover something new in every painting that I do.

UV: How often do you make work?
JY: I work on my art almost every day. I am always either painting, thinking about my next painting, or shopping for new materials. I find that working so often helps me stay motivated and excited about my art. I am constantly getting new ideas I want to explore.

UV: Tell us about your studio.
JY: My studio is a room in my home, and it has been my studio for almost thirty years. I'm surrounded by books and pictures of my family, and a window that looks out onto my garden. Working in my garden is one of my other passions.