Check Out Josepha Yague’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josepha Yague.

Hi Josepha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a Togolese immigrant, I was always surrounded by the beauty of art through fabrics. However, when I moved to the United States, I was exposed to many art forms. Philadelphia’s art scene is vast and diverse, and during high school, I discovered my passion for creating art. I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with different mediums, receiving critiques, participating in after-school mentorship programs, and being part of the supportive artistic community. My experiences in high school were so profound that I was honored with the Young Female Award by PAFA, an achievement that gave me a tremendous confidence boost.

After graduation, I needed more support and resources to continue creating art. It took a lot of time and effort to gather the necessary materials. I eventually landed a job at Michael’s, which allowed me to utilize employee discounts to purchase as many art supplies as possible. While this helped me immensely, I never managed to save any money. Although I received a scholarship from PAFA to attend their school, I ultimately let the influence of my family and friends convince me not to pursue my dream of studying art. Looking back, I still wish I had gone to art school. However, I have always retained my love for creating and making art. Now that I have graduated and am not utilizing my degree, I am returning to my passion for art. Even now, I am eager to pursue my dream of attending art school and continue to create art that inspires me and others.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
The lack of resources and support took me aback after graduating high school. Everything was readily available in high school, from paper, pencils, and paints to easels and charcoals. Moreover, I had a classroom full of peers to learn from and collaborate with. But, one of the most valuable resources I didn’t realize I had was time. In high school, I had ample time to create art. However, everything changed after high school; I had to juggle one or two jobs while attending school full-time and trying to create art. Despite the challenges, I am immensely proud of myself for persevering. No matter how busy or exhausted I was, I always made time to create.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Togolese Multidisciplinary Artist who began my professional artistic career in 2016 as I wanted to pursue my passion for art. My artwork represents my fascination with people and culture. Having lived in America for over a decade before returning to Togo, my love for Togolese fabric inspired me to create portraits of myself and my family using oil paints. I like to juxtapose realism with other features in my artwork. My compositions are designed to evoke feelings of comfort and warmth through brightly colored shapes.

We could end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
As an artist, my artistry matters to me deeply, allowing me to express myself in a way that words alone cannot. With my visual art, I aspire to be more than just a mere creator of images; I want to be a storyteller, weaving intricate narratives and transporting my audience to other worlds through my creations.

While I am passionate about fine art, I also understand the importance of commercial art and am eager to explore the possibilities of combining the two. I want to dabble in the fine art sphere, with all its nuances and complexities, while remaining tethered to the world of commercial art, where I can use my talents to bring ideas to life for clients and help businesses succeed.

In this way, I want to cultivate a versatile skill set that will allow me to thrive in both worlds, using my creativity and adaptability to tackle any challenge that comes my way. For me, versatility is not just important; it is essential for achieving my artistic goals and realizing my full potential as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sephadchamp.com/work/painting-drawing
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sephathechamp/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josepha-yague-02845aa6/