December 14, 2021
Artist Spotlight - Yasmin Youssef
{ Yasmin is wearing the Kate Dress in Sosi }
Tell us a little about yourself...
I’m a mixed media artist, dancer, and user experience designer working out of Austin, TX.
My visual art incorporates botanical imagery, symbolism, organic and geometric shapes, light and dark, pattern and color to explore themes of memory and life cycles while delving into the often fragile human connection to oneself, community and the natural world. As a dancer, I’ve performed with Thievery Corporation and Govinda in large festivals, theaters and concert venues including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Webster Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and performances across Europe, Canada and Mexico. As an expert User Experience designer, I design iPhone, tablet, websites and enterprise-level software experiences. I find that these 3 creative paths exercise my mind and body in a way that works for me.
What led you to finding your passion?
My first creative passion is dance. I’ve studied dance in various forms since childhood.The freedom to fully express emotions and music through body movement is exhilarating, fulfilling, and opens a path of connection to a divine feeling that isn’t easily accessible in modern times.
{ Yasmin is wearing the Batna Top in Creme Glaze }
What inspires you?
Here’s my short list. :)
Patterns. Textiles. Good in any design any industry, but particularly in furniture, jewelry, fashion, and graphic design. The Moon in the night sky as well as imagining the complexity of the galaxy. Mycelium, plants and the Natural World. Vintage ephemera and paper. Experiencing culture, food and music during travel.
Here’s my short list. :)
Patterns. Textiles. Good in any design any industry, but particularly in furniture, jewelry, fashion, and graphic design. The Moon in the night sky as well as imagining the complexity of the galaxy. Mycelium, plants and the Natural World. Vintage ephemera and paper. Experiencing culture, food and music during travel.
How do you feel when you’re creating?
When things are flowing, I feel at ease. In life, I have a tendency to overthink which is why getting in a creative flow is such a beautiful place to be for me. In this place, it’s possible to set down the responsibilities and pressures of these times and truly be in the moment.
When things are flowing, I feel at ease. In life, I have a tendency to overthink which is why getting in a creative flow is such a beautiful place to be for me. In this place, it’s possible to set down the responsibilities and pressures of these times and truly be in the moment.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To move anything forward, you don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. You just need to take the next right step.
To move anything forward, you don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. You just need to take the next right step.
{ Yasmin is wearing the Elora Skirt and Raya Bodysuit }
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
I spent 4 weeks in Japan and loved learning about Japanese culture, food and history. I have a deep love for paper and was inspired by incredible vintage postcards & illustrations found in antiquarian bookshops as well as the patterns, colors, and tactile feeling of Japanese artisan washi paper. Getting lost in a Japanese stationary store is also a very special experience. I recorded the trip in an illustrated travel journal you can see on my Instagram. One day, I hope to return and spend even more time.
How do you practice self love?
I ground myself with journaling, hot salt baths, body movement, social media breaks, cozy blankets & tea, a short meditation before sleep, and being outside in the Natural World.
{ Yasmin is wearing the Zella Top and Soho Pant }
What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?
Where does one start? If I had to pick one thing, it would be for our collective world populations & entities (from large corporations all the way down to individuals) to effectively protect our environment so that it can be a life-long stable, fertile, food-growing home for our future generations.
What do you wear when you want to feel confident? A shoe statement! I have a favorite pair of silver booties that are my go to when wanting to feel confident.
{ Yasmin is wearing the Why do you wear Bel Kazan?
I love Bel Kazan prints and fabric. Knowing that I’m supporting an environmentally responsible and socially conscious company is also a factor for me.
What’s the piece you reach for most?
A Bel Kazan duster. However, I just ordered 2 Soho pants and have a feeling that those will be my new staples this season.
To learn more about Yasmin and her work please visit : https://www.yasmin.ws/