Yesora Song joined EverGreene in November 2019 after graduating from the School of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration.
She was recognized by the Society of Illustrators Student Competition winner and First Place Winner of 6th Congressional District Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery” in 2015 by Congresswoman Grace Meng. She submitted artworks of figurative paintings, which clearly showed her interest. Yesora’s awarded artwork for the Congressional competition was a charcoal drawing, a dynamic NY subway station scene; the other two for Society of Illustrators Student Competition were self-portraits in subtly surreal settings. “Being recognized with these awards gave me the confidence to continue with figurative paintings, which has helped guide my career. My own uncertainty of a distinctive style helped push me as an artist to try different painting styles, which ultimately gave me the gift of being both flexible and versatile—strengths that have been invaluable in my career.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in fine art and preservation?
It wasn’t a clear nor direct path. I have loved art since I was a kid, and spent my free time painting, crafting, and sculpting. I decided to major in illustration, thinking I would create commercial art. However, during my college years, my biggest interest became portrait painting, so I focused mostly on oil painting. In my senior year, a professor with experience in mural work recommended following this career path. Before working in this industry, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but I’ve grown to appreciate the appeal of mural and fine interior art restoration, especially the power of scale and the variety of styles to explore. Fine art can often feel quite difficult and exclusive for many people. By creating art for such a wide variety of churches, theaters, and public spaces, I have the opportunity and privilege to share art in approachable environments, and I find such fulfillment in that aspect of my job.
What is your favorite EverGreene project you completed thus far?
There are a few that come to mind. Among them, I’d say the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine mural stands out, as I had so much fun painting the baby angels! My second favorite would be the writing room ceiling mural of the Noble Maritime Collection. This mural was my first opportunity to lead a project since I started working in the design studio. The historic mural was recorded and removed because of water damage, and we had to recreate it. My role allowed me to produce prototypes by observing archived photos and preserved pieces of the ceiling, and truly enjoyed figuring out how to replicate the beauty of the original mural.
What advice can you offer to the next generation of artists and craftspeople after spending the last five years with EverGreene?
Be open-minded. Be open to learning and listening to others. Five years ago, I didn’t know I would be hand painting murals. A year ago, I didn’t know I would be working in the Design Studio on digital pieces. I wanted to learn Photoshop for practical reasons, so I enrolled in classes while working as a studio artist. It was essential to learn this skill to combine my traditional painting techniques with digital creation, which gave me a whole new perspective on the importance of teamwork and the interconnectivity of each department’s role at EverGreene.
Thank you Yesora for sharing your journey!
