Previously an entertainment reporter reporting on Chinese, Korean, and Hollywood entertainment news, and Henry Yuan is a Chinese artist and the founder of the Magical Okey art studio. Magical Okey is a pet and animal art studio that supplies creative custom art products such as dog pillow designs, gorilla phone case designs, and more. His art has been featured in numerous places such as New York City’s Times Square billboards, the DSWF 2023 Art competition, and more.

Is there a specific message you want to convey through your art?
Yes, my artistic creations typically focus on wildlife and nature, and through them, I advocate for the environment and the protection of wildlife. This is how people became familiar with my beginnings. I am passionate about using hyperrealism because it can authentically portray these life forms with which we share the planet. I prefer using oversized canvas oil paintings, as it can create a more awe-inspiring and resonating impact.

How did you get started in your artistic journey?
I rediscovered my passion for art in 2019. Although I had studied painting extensively during my childhood, I eventually pursued a degree in journalism and media at the university. I remember in 2019, I was invited to provide plate decoration training for a French culinary team. On that day, I used blueberry sauce to create animals like crabs and horses on plates. The people around me were amazed and that night, I felt as if a certain gene within me had been awakened. The next day, I told myself that I needed to embark on this unknown path full of infinite possibilities once again.

Describe your artistic style and how it has evolved over time.
My earliest style was more freehand, as I had studied traditional Chinese ink painting for a long time during my childhood. Later on, I grew fonder of the hyper realistic style because it creates a more astonishing and unforgettable impression. However, my current style combines Chinese freehand and the hyperrealism of oil painting, creating a comfortable and stunning visual effect for the audience, leaving a profound impression from the beginning to the end of each artwork.

Tell us about your art tools and what you use to draw.
When I first started, I chose the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as my creative tool. There's a painting software in Windows called Fresh Paint, and many of the hyperrealist works people are familiar with were created using it. I also created a portrait of the founder of Microsoft Surface, Panos Panay, with his dog. Currently, I have a collaboration with Microsoft, where I've been creating a series of animal IPs for Microsoft Windows and Surface brands since last year. However, Microsoft Surface has also been instrumental in facilitating my canvas oil painting creation.

What else do you like to draw in addition to animals?
I have a fondness for landscapes, mountains, rivers, food, and flowers, which are my current creative subjects. While character art might be something I explore in the future, my primary focus remains on animals and nature.

Tell us about your previous career as an entertainment reporter.
After graduating from the university, I spent nearly a decade in the entertainment media industry, reporting on movie stars, singers, and actors. Later, I had the opportunity to work at a Hollywood entertainment agency called FansTang, where I assisted Ian Somerhalder, the male lead of The Vampire Diaries, in securing a sponsorship contract with the BenQ brand. This experience gave me insights into the Hollywood entertainment and art market, which paved a solid foundation for establishing and operating my own art studio.

Tell us about your art studio, Magical Okey.
MO MagicalOkey Art Studio was officially founded in 2019, initially focusing on custom pet portrait services for pet owners. Later, I incorporated wildlife artwork into my portfolio. Currently, the studio has its first offline showroom in Chengdu, showcasing original artworks including oil paintings and those created with Microsoft Surface. We have collaborated with international brands such as Microsoft, Red Bull, and Epson. In December 2022, I had the honor of being a spokesperson and partner for Microsoft Windows, and, in 2023, I participated as a judge in the final of the Austrian Red Bull Global Digital Art Competition for the China region. This year, I entered the 2023 DSWF Global Wildlife Art Competition in the UK, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Although my two submissions didn't make it to the finals this year, I’ll participate again next year, using my art to advocate for wildlife conservation. Every year, MO holds "CoverCity" light and shadow shows in different cities worldwide, projecting my original animal artworks onto landmark buildings through the use of technology. In the past two years, we have had successful exhibitions in Times Square in New York, Ge Xian Cun in Jiangxi, and the Twin Towers in Chengdu, receiving media coverage and public recognition. The presentation in Times Square trended on Chinese social media, with 140 million people watching the coverage on that day.

Why did you start your own art studio?
I've had a love for painting animals since childhood. In recent years, with the worsening of earth's environment and concerns about wildlife habitats, I used animal art to advocate for environmental and wildlife protection. While a single individual's impact may be small, my team of three people has been fortunate to receive support from many kind individuals who have helped us, including Mike Ruiz, Italian football player Matteo Politano, media outlets, and friends. The achievements of MO Art Studio belong to everyone who has aided us. I'm particularly grateful to my parents, whose unwavering support has guided the direction of the studio.

What role does art play in your life?
Art is my form of work. I greatly enjoy using art to convey my inner world and the true essence of the world. Every time viewers see my work, I want them to experience a sense of healing, which greatly satisfies me and serves as my consistent motivation.

How do you find inspiration for your artwork?
I regularly visit zoos and travel to observe the true essence of nature, from which I draw inspiration for my creations. Understanding both nature and human society and conveying a harmonious balance between the two through my canvas has always been my intention.

What techniques or methods do you use to achieve certain effects in your art?
Hyperrealism and realism are the styles I pursue. I have developed my own hyperrealist style. I work on continuous improvement in technique and detail during the creative process. If there's a secret, it's practice, practice, practice.

What role does your personal background or experiences play in your art?
My experience as a journalist after graduation and my brand marketing background have provided me with a wealth of experience and knowledge for running and operating my own studio. Despite its challenges, I'm grateful for every step of the journey.

What advice do you have for young artists who want to start their own businesses?
Stay firm in your beliefs and fully commit yourself. Time will provide the answers.

What are some of your other hobbies other than drawing?
I enjoy music, fitness, and traveling. These hobbies provide me with different experiences and serve as sources of inspiration for my artwork. Loving life is the best concept underlying all hobbies.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Perhaps I might visit different cities all over the world and have my exhibition in London/New York/Tokyo/Paris. Maybe, I ‘ll live for a while in another country. I want to explore the world in my limited time.

Website
http://magicalokey.com/

Interview by Mariana Apostolatos, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine