Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Penn State Student Escapes Reality Through Painting

When Joseph Yonke, a junior majoring in advertising, isn’t studying or hanging out with friends, you’ll probably find him painting in his downtown apartment.

Although he hails from Pittsburgh, Joseph spends a lot of time at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland where his grandfather, artist Robert Yonke, has an art studio.

Yonke says he has been painting for as long as he can remember. He’d spend hours in the studio with his grandfather learning different techniques and experimenting with various mediums, and the time they spent together helped Yonke figure out his own style while developing as an artist.

Although their styles are vastly different, Yonke says his grandfather has a major influence on his art, and his fondest memories are from their days at Deep Creek Lake.

Even when life gets busy and schoolwork piles up, Yonke always finds time to do what he loves.

“You just have to make time,” Yonke said. “Even if you don’t have it.”

Most of the time, Yonke dives right into painting without doing much planning at all. He says he likes the result of his paintings better when he’s not referencing anything because he doesn’t get distracted.

Yonke’s favorite piece is one he created on his 19th birthday that stands at 6 feet tall. While spending time at home with family over Thanksgiving break, Yonke got bored and decided to head to the studio. Eight hours later, “Mandolin Man” was born.

“I get a lot of criticism for my art because it’s abstract, so a lot of people don’t really understand it,” Yonke said. “But it’s not for everyone. It’s for the people who appreciate and understand it, and it makes an impact on them.”

After graduation, Yonke plans to keep painting, but he also wants to work at a big advertising firm. He says he’s interested in brand management, media planning, and strategy, but he wants to keep his career separate from his painting.

As for aspiring artists, Yonke says it’s crucial to keep being yourself.

“Keep with what you enjoy doing,” Yonke said. “Don’t worry about other people accepting it.”

Yonke’s first art show will take place on October 16 at 3rd Street Gallery in Pittsburgh, and part of its sales will be donated to the Carnegie Boys & Girls Club. You can follow Yonke on Instagram or check out his website to stay up to date with his work.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Grace Cunningham

Grace was Onward State’s social media manager once upon a time. She was also the host of Onward State's podcast. You should google "Podward State Wienermobile" for a good laugh. Nowadays, Grace is a copywriter or something. You can reach her at [email protected], although she doesn't know why you would want to.

‘It’s A Great Way To Get Outside & Forget About Homework’: Penn State Club Ski Team Makes Run To Nationals

Penn State’s Club Ski Team took a trip to Lake Placid, New York, to compete in nationals over spring break.

Penn State Alum Taking Passion For Storytelling & Cooking To Next Level

Gabrielle Chappel has taken her skills to FOX’s “Next Level Chef” where she competes on Team Ramsay.

Decorating Downtown: State College Resident Paints Town & Faces

Whether it’s faces or windows, local painter Emily Cooper has you covered.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Grace

Tiny Moments: Grace Cunningham’s Senior Column

“As I prepare to graduate and move on to whatever comes next, I take solace in knowing that my life will still be full of moments — good ones and bad ones.”

Podward State: Season 8, Episode 4 Ft. My Hero Zero

Carbonated Campus Coup: The 1993 Penn State ‘Coke-In’