Transition in America

Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

First Advisor

Grant Hargate

Second Advisor

Elaine Tillinger

Third Advisor

Hans Levi

Abstract

This thesis by Yi-Li Yeh, Transition in America, is a personal and artistic exploration of the author’s journey from Taiwan to the United States in pursuit of her development as an artist. Beginning with her early experiences as the child of a single mother, Yeh shares how familial support and early exposure to creativity helped shape her identity. Despite societal expectations and initial resistance from her family, she pursued her passion for art, first in Taiwan and later in the United States.

The move to America marked a transformative phase in Yeh’s life, both personally and artistically. She documents her challenges with language, cultural adaptation, and unfamiliar art methodologies, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentors such as Sidney Larson, Grant Hargate, Ben Collen, and Elaine Tillinger. Their guidance introduced her to new artistic techniques and philosophical perspectives that deeply influenced her evolving style.

Yeh presents and analyzes several of her artworks created during her academic journey, including Still Life with Bird, Escape, Unlimited, and Self-Portrait. Each piece is discussed in the context of its emotional, conceptual, and technical underpinnings, revealing her growing confidence in using diverse media and styles—from realism to abstraction. Her work often integrates symbolism and narrative, drawing from both Eastern and Western influences, and reflects themes of displacement, growth, and identity.

Ultimately, Transition in America is not only a visual record of an artist’s development but also a testament to the emotional and intellectual evolution that accompanies cultural transition. Yeh concludes by recognizing herself as a lifelong learner and artist, committed to sharing authentic emotional experiences through her art.

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