Tim Yankosky

Three Graces had the pleasure of featuring works by Tim Yankosky this past May in the group exhibition "Making Their Mark in Molten Wax", alongside fellow encaustic artists Gina Adams, Robin Luciano Beaty and Linda Cordner. Tim has done a special small scale series of paintings for our upcoming Teeny Tiny Art Show #5 in September.


Originally from New Jersey, Tim currently lives and works in San Francisco. He has exhibited around the Bay Area, with shows at Soul Arch, SF State Gallery, and Space 743 Gallery. In 2004 he was included in the Heart and Soul citywide installation with his piece now displayed at Mo Mo’s restuarant. Here are 25 Random things about Mr. Tim Yankosky...

1. I was a track star in high school, now walking around the block is a task.

2. I still act like a 3 year old at times... it really helps with the creative process.

3. I was recently converted by a "Rag Doll" kitten that I bought for my partner, into a "Cat Person"... it was always dogs for me until this little bundle of fur entered our lives.

4. I now talk baby talk to the above fore mentioned kitten whose name is "Bandit", the name just seemed to fit with the mask and all, not to mention her stealing my heart.

5. I lift weights 5-6 days a week and my arm still gets tired when I paint.

6. I lost my last partner to a rare cancer, it changed my life forever and continues to influence my decisions. I mention this because during that period I created some of my most amazing work. "Deliver Me" a tribute to my partner Rich who died at 41.

7. My favorite snacks are cashews and chocolate covered raisins, on a recent visit to my studio, upon seeing the empty containers, my brother remarked "did you REALLY eat all those".

8. "Bandit" sleeps on my head.

9. Grade school was a nightmare but inspires many works of art... thank you Ricky Merideth (mean, mean boy).

10. Life really does get easier as you get older, or maybe I am just forgetting more and it appears to be easier because I forget most of my worries by the end of the day.

11. "What am I listing here again?" There goes that memory thing.

12. I hope one day to only have to paint and not work my "other job".

13. On that note, everyone should have to be a waiter at some point in their life.

14. I am actually enjoying making this list.

15. I have trouble gaining weight, people say "oh poor you", but to me it is the same as wanting to lose weight.

16. I have a "reality television" addiction... I know, shameless.

17. My favorite smells are fresh cut grass and gasoline when filling the car. Appears to be a "green" oxymoron.

18. It would be great to be able to buy any art pieces I wanted.

19. I only started painting when I was 43... my college art 101 professor ask me why I wasn't an art major and it went right over my head.

20. I spend hours a day painting, often forgetting to eat... that might have something to do with that weight gain thing.

21. I would much rather be in my studio than at a party... thank you grade school and high school.

22. My grandparents raised canaries and they continue to show up in my work.

23. I am watching "Big Brother" while finishing this list.

24. I just got my first book cover... Yahoo!

25. My main goal is to age gracefully, unfortunately my knees have not gotten that memo.

Tim was also kind enought to take the time to answer some other questions...

Q. What are the main things that inspire you? Are you inspired by things that happen to you, or what you observe from life?

A. I am inspired by most things that have happen to me over a lifetime, a long 50 year lifetime.

Q. Sometimes an artists work gives a hint to what the artist may be like, what they believe in, entertainment they fancy. Is there anything about you that would be surprising to know, if someone only knew your art?

A. I tend to bite my upper lip when I am sanding or cutting... I am pretty sure that I have developed a "sharp object" phobia in my older age. When I was a kid I wanted to be a vet... which considering my "sharp object" phobia may have been a problem.

Q. How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

A. I am inspired by the previous pieces of art work that I have completed... they all seem to be leading somewhere. I think my best creation to date is a piece I donated to Visual Aid for auction here in San Francisco... I only have a quick snapshot of it because I finished it on the donation deadline day, but it was one of those pieces where you are kicking yourself for letting it go. It did lead to an entire series but none nearly as special as this one.


Q. Describe your ideal day...

A. My ideal day is staying away from sharp objects.

Q. Last book you read?

A. Last book read is "When You are Engulfed In Flames" by David Sedaris.

Q: Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

A/Q:What has been my most rewarding day recently?

A. Teaching a small art inspired class in my studio for some local school kids. I forgot how much I miss teaching.