Hello! My name is Yandrea Malaysia Neal and I am a senior in the Visual Arts Program with a concentration in Illustration. I am graduating with my BFA in December of 2024 as a black first-generation college student in my family and the youngest of five siblings. All my life, I have been surrounded by family members who can create no matter the bounds, and eventually inherited that trait within myself. I have always been able to express myself sufficiently with actions instead of words. So I began learning as many skills as possible to see how far I could teach myself. However, what stuck with me the most was producing art, as it not only pushed me creatively but also caused me to feel like I could break out of a mold that was set upon me for how I look.
For as long as I can remember, there have been multiple moments when individuals have tried to choose my own path and conform to their own expectations. Being a visionary individual has allowed me to set the tone for my future, with art being my primary setting stone for how I will build my own life. Being capable of having the ability to make what is on my mind or assist someone in discovering an idea through the guise of illustration and sketching is something that makes me proud of choosing this as my future career path.
As much as art has made me who I am, I also still struggle with my artistic identity as self-doubt and artist block tend to be my greatest roadblocks for my artwork. However, no matter the timeline, I can regain my ability to create when I realize how much I have been fighting for myself. Having the potential to use my insight and combine it with my art is one thing I will truly not take for granted.
In my art, I relate to a lot of fashion, vibrant colors, and clean line work. Most of my work is mainly focused on my imagination which I connect to a lot as I used to use my art as an escapism. However, when I do make artwork that represents my cultural background, it always comes from the thought of ‘making something that can relate to someone who looks like me can connect to.’ This notion of mine is very important to me as it strives for me to continue with this path I have chosen. Overall, what I try to portray most in my work is a world of escapism, and how the viewer can somewhat live in a dreamscape that I have created for them.
Link to portfolio website: https://yandreaneal323.wixsite.com/ymnportfolio
Hello I’m so overly excited for my younger sister she’s awesome nothing can stop her… Go Yandrea !!!❤️