Doris Yen
b. 1965, San Francisco ∙ CE artist since 1999
Doris Yen focuses her attention on the natural world and its inhabitants; whether real, historical, or imaginary, her portraits include selective details that reveal as much about the artist as her subject. The subtle delicacy of watercolor suits Yen's exacting style, and her command of this notoriously difficult to master medium is exceptional.
Yen often draws from medical and dental diagrams, the influence of which can be seen in her use of repetition and anatomical themes, while her line work is reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy. Her enthusiasm and identification with printmaking led her to Chinatown where she had a personalized signature stamp made, which is proudly applied to the corner of each completed piece.
Select Exhibitions & Projects
2020
Mother Nature! at Outsider Art Fair 2020, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, NY
2016
Natural History, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2015
Tree of Life, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2014
Shoerageous, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
A Curious Menagerie, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2013
San Francisco's Calacas: Day of the Dead, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2012
I have never really taken the time to look, Accident and Artifact, San Francisco, CA
2011
As We Live It, San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, CA
The Masters, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2010
Tiger Leaping Gold Mountain, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
Prints Byte: the cutting edge of printmaking, SOMArts Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
Text'o & Figura, Meridian Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Santos y Otros Creatures, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2009
Introductions, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2007
Naked, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2006
Nature Rules, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
Notables, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2004
Spirits & Saints, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Heads n' Tails, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2003
LIT: Lamps, Lanterns, and Shadow, Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA
2002
Women's Work, Creativity Explored Gallery, San Francisco, CA