Artist Collaboration: An Interview with Mellow Yue Li/ @mellowmeadow7

Drawing inspiration from the great outdoors, YueLi’s art expresses the wildness of nature with soft, soothing undertones that let you disappear into the page. Her work weaves together the vivid colours of the world, bringing a sense of peace and serenity.

@mellowmeadow7's passion towards plantlife is clear when observing the smooth, almost water-like structure in her pieces. The presence of love and tranquillity in each stroke is undeniable, providing the perfect balance between dedication and reflection.

We are honoured to interview Mellow YueLi for her contribution towards Mossery covers, read onwards to unveil her inspirations and experiences in her creations.

Hey Mellow, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?

Hi! I’m Mellow Yue Li, an illustration artist based in New York and Shanghai. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, my second home. Illustration has been my passion since I was a kid and it’s the most genuine channel for me to express myself. Throughout my creative journey, I have encountered great people and amazing experiences. My clients include 'Khruangbin', 'Popsockets', 'This Is Mold', 'Everpress', and more. My works have been exhibited worldwide, including a solo show “Water Stitches” at Junior High LA Gallery in Los Angeles, group exhibitions at Kiblind Magazine in France, Nucleus Portland Gallery in Los Angeles, and Latitude Gallery in New York.

How would you describe your artistic style and influences?

My work often explore my journey towards nature, plants, spirituality and romanticism, in combination with different cultural contexts. Most of my work centres on my spiritual experiences and interest in nature, mythology and folk cultures. I make art when I feel peaceful and inspired and I want to be able to pass that energy on to my audience, and take them away from their daily life to a serene and sentimental world, even if it’s just for one second.

Are there any specific themes or messages you wanted to convey through the cover?

Making the cover piece is like the process of photosynthesis. The passion toward plants and nature is the main message that I would like to convey through the cover. I believe besides love, nature is the ultimate reason why we are here and that’s what we humans stand on the ground for. I hope people can feel joy, peace and meditative energy through the cover.

Did you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?

I think the biggest challenge while creating the cover, “Flower in the desert”, was to incorporate plants with a shape design. I wanted to create the flower design in a heart shape. It was a game to balance the organic and geometric elements. It was a bit challenging, but really fun.

What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?

I use handmade materials most of the time, including coloured pencils and watercolours. I love to experiment and see what the materials can speak through the paper.

Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?

The cover "Beyond what you see" is about a world where different creatures live organically, the insects, the microbes and the bone. I love exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and the non-human world, including animals, plants, fungi, etc.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?

For me, who myself have walked through the path from being an art student to a professional illustrator in the industry, I think it’s important to always speak to your heart—what you truly love, what you are most capable of, and what excites you the most. There’s a constant struggle for illustrators to balance between what they like to create and what could bring them work. It’s tempting to follow the mainstream style of illustrations, especially when you just stepped into the industry. However, I believe that making art that one most identifies with is the only long term way for them to stay in the industry. That path always takes more time, but it’s also more rewarding.

Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?

Nature is always my biggest inspiration, and there are also so many artists that inspired me on my journey of creating. Music creators such as Khruangbin and Raveena are my go-tos when I need a creative aura. Visual artists such as Georgia O’keeffe, Agnes Pelton and Charlotte Ager are my inspirations too.

Do you have any favourite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?

I can’t help but look at the covers designed by Balqis Tajalli. The process of cyanotype intrigued me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?

I hope that my designs could bring you a breeze of joy! I am grateful if you feel connected to my designs and whenever you are inspired, please feel free to write down or doodle your thoughts on the Mossery planner to witness your creativity!

Thank you to Mellow YueLi for sharing her journey and insights into her art with us. If her vision inspired you to create, check out her work with Mossery here/ under the Artist section!