Larry Yes
The conceptual basis of my work is messages of love designed to spotlight our interconnectedness. All humans are family, born from the same elements, and love is our shared home. Colors, shapes, words, and melodies help point the way to that home. Intentional, positive art for the people is needed now more than ever. My work aims to create a pure moment of joy and connection for each viewer.
My mediums are paint, wood, and installation, realized in visual and socially-engaged work and hybrids of the two. As a third generation artist from the Pacific Northwest, communicating through song and blending colors has always been a part of my being. I've been a songwriter for the past 30 years, and an artist for over 15, my music and art feed each other. My work connects generations: seeing a 4 year-old and a 64 year-old make art together on the same canvas is transcendent.
In 2003 after being involved in a tragic bicycle accident that resulted in the death of two of my friends, I left Portland and spent 5 years living in New Mexico, New York and Italy where I assisted artist Jacob Hashimoto. I returned to Portland and began working at a community market, curating art+music shows for neighborhood shoppers. These shows generated an amazing amount of energy and engagement and led me to create the annual event “Free Art in the Park”. I prepared canvases, paint and materials, booked bands and invited the public to gather and create together.
When I became a father 7 years ago I tapped into a new path, painting positive words in vibrant colors on a fence that had fallen down in my backyard: LOVE, FUN, HARMONY, AWESOME, TOGETHERNESS, NOW, YES, etc. After a while I had created a massive collection of words, which led to large installations at PDX Contemporary Art and The Portland Building, as well as many private commissions.
6 years ago I began working with Julie Keefe and Caldera on “Studio to School” making art with the families of Peninsula School. Together we made site-specific art, creating numerous installations with Fallen Fruit, Disjecta, and PSU’s School of Art & Social Practice. Working with these communities was inspiring and my practice expanded to include sculpture.
Curator Libby Werbel brought “Free Art in the Park” to her Houseguest Residence at Pioneer Square, this began a series of collaborations with the Square, connecting my work to people in new and exciting ways. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was asked to create a colorful message of connection for our community. Watching the message evolve and strengthen as the square became a base for Black Lives Matter protests was an affirmation.
Intentional, positive art for the people!
Larry Yes is a socially-engaged artist whose work focuses on positivity, humour, and fostering social bonds through creativity.
Larry Yes was born in 1974 in Milwaukie Oregon. At age 8 he played asteroids with Sun Ra and somehow won.
His art focuses on love and human connection. He is a native Oregonian who lives in Portland.
Larry Yes