ROK YU
Behind the Canvas
Rok is an artist based in Vancouver, Canada- Renowned for his oil on canvas portraits. We first met in Brooklyn and hit it off with a mutual love for classic style, Miles Davis and a cold beer in the local dive bar.
Sit-down, with Keil Jr. & Rok Yu…
Who is Rok Yu?
I am a painter and an educator. I live and work in Vancouver, Canada.
An artists journey is a special thing... How does your story begin?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing ever since I can remember. As a kid growing up in Seoul, Korea, I loved experimenting with different mediums from drawing and painting to clay modelling and graffiti. I remember I would make all kinds of stuff out of clay and play with them all day.
My years in high school really cemented my love for drawing and painting and I spent the majority of my time focused on honing my craft.
I consider my art teacher Mrs. Moorcroft my mentor, she taught me everything I know about oil painting, which is the medium I primarily work with now. I was ecstatic when I learned I had been accepted into Emily Carr University. That next chapter of my life was at times difficult but so rewarding, and I eventually graduated with a degree in Fine Arts.
It has always been a dream of mine to have my own studio space where I can be free to create my art, and this is exactly what I have been doing since graduating in 2008.
In what environment do you find comfort and inspiration, to create within?
My studio. I usually go there at night when there are not many people around. I enjoy putting on some music or a podcast and zone out while I paint. Working on multiple pieces simultaneously is something I do quite often; I would start an underpainting of a new piece while working on a painting I started the day before. Somehow, I can work more efficiently this way.
Where do your most influential sources of inspiration lie?
Music, literature, 19th Century European paintings, street photography, fashion blogs and magazines.
Your favourite fit in the wardrobe right now?
Now that summer is here, the weather is getting warmer in Vancouver. Right now, I’m rocking a washed bucket hat from Kangol, short-sleeve crewneck sweatshirt from the Brooklyn Circus, Linen cotton pants from J.Crew and the classic Adidas Stan Smith.
The last time you lost yourself in music?
Last week I went out for a bike ride to the beach near my house and listened to Nicholas Britell (Moonlight original soundtrack). I sat down and listened to the whole album wishing the songs were longer.
Intro song in the Rok Yu biopic?
“So What” Miles Davis
If you flew out tomorrow, where would you go, what would you do?
Europe - London, Berlin, Paris and Barcelona. I’d go shopping and visit museums.
Where we eating?
I’m a burger guy… there’s a few burger joints I like in Vancouver, but we need In & Out and Shake Shack, ASAP.
Finally, what do you love most as an artist living in Vancouver?
Yes, you absolutely need to come visit bro! Vancouver is a beautiful city. It’s surrounded by mountains and water. My place is literally steps away from the water. It feels like I am always on vacation. My studio is in an iconic historical building in East Vancouver where I constantly make connections with so many other amazing artists.
