Member Spotlight: Xinyi Yang

This month’s featured spotlight is a new member who joined us through our graduate members' scheme. Xinyi was a student at Edinburgh College of Art where she completed a master’s in graphic design. Prior to this she studied Fine Art and Education (BA) at Hubei University in Wuhan, China. We’re really glad to have her in the studio as she experiments with screenprinting and etching. She’s made great progress so far and we can’t wait to see what else she creates while working in the studio.

What brought you to Edinburgh Printmakers, and how long have you been a studio member?

I first discovered Edinburgh Printmakers while studying at Edinburgh College of Art. It was during my time at ECA that I was introduced to various printmaking techniques, such as letterpress, screen printing, and 3D printing using a Risograph. The exposure to these techniques, combined with the incredible artworks I encountered in museums and galleries, deeply inspired me. I became fascinated with the process of creating such striking pieces and knew I wanted to continue exploring printmaking after graduation.

My university professor recommended Edinburgh Printmakers as an ideal place to continue my practice. After researching the studio online, I decided to enrol in a photo etching course to further develop my skills. I officially became a studio member in April 2024.

Why is making art important to you?

I have been painting since I was four years old, and it has always been something I love to do. Over time, as I pursued a more professional approach to art, it became an integral part of my life. Receiving a formal art education has changed my perspective on art; it made me question my purpose and the impact my work might have within the art industry. I pondered whether I should follow trends to stay relevant or lead new ones. Ultimately, I realised that I create art for myself—for the joy and meaning it brings me. This personal connection is what makes art so important to me.

Which printmaking processes do you prefer to work with, and what draws you to them as a means of expression?

I am particularly drawn to etching and screen printing. Etching captivates me because of the meticulous chemical processes involved—there’s something magical about watching my designs slowly emerge on the zinc plate. Screen printing, on the other hand, challenges my patience and physical endurance, especially when it comes to inking the board. Although it requires significant effort, the results make it all worthwhile.

Please describe your artistic practice.

My artistic practice is a continuous journey of learning and experimentation. I draw inspiration from various artists and engage in extensive research, often beginning with sketches. These sketches sometimes evolve into oil paintings, which I then photograph and use as the basis for etching. Other times, an idea will strike me, and I’ll jump straight into creating an etching.

Xinyi has provided some images from her photo etching course she did in the EP studio! 

Please check out Xinyi's website for more information and to see examples of her work outside of printmaking. https://yukistudioo.com/about