behind the brush with Yenny Create
Welcome to Behind the Brush, where we offer a peek behind the curtain through the voices of talented artists within our community. This week, we’re chatting with Yenny Create, an all-around talented artist based in Boston, who recently helped us beautify the Fenway neighborhood through her vibrant mural activated across the Van Ness building.
Your artwork often features themes of identity and culture. How do you explore these concepts in your pieces, and what messages do you hope to convey?
My cultural identity weaves into my artwork in both visible and subtle ways. You’ll often see it in the use of Spanish or bilingual messaging, which speaks directly to my heritage. Or quietly like in my use of vibrant color and foliage, both inspired by the brightly colored houses and vegetation found in Puerto Rico. At the core, my goal is to evoke a sense of familiarity, inviting viewers to connect with these themes and perhaps see a piece of their own story reflected in the work.
Your art seems to evoke a sense of joy and celebration. How do you harness positive emotions in your creative process, and what inspires that joyful energy?
Color and lettering are powerful tools for conveying positive emotions in my creative process. With each project, I ask myself, “What do I want to say in the few moments this wall becomes part of someone’s day?” My goal is for each piece to feel like a small celebration—an uplifting moment, however brief. Gratitude is my internal compass, inspiring the joyful energy in my art. Life can be challenging, and I believe finding happiness is an active effort, this is my way of doing so.
There’s a strong sense of community across your creations. How do you connect with the communities you’re part of, and how does that influence your work?
Creating a sense of community in my work starts with understanding who a project is for. I spend time thinking about the people who will encounter the mural and how they might interact with it, which helps shape the message. I focus on using language that speaks in terms of “we” and “us,” aiming to evoke a feeling of collective identity. My hope is that, even if just for a moment, viewers feel they’re part of something larger—a community connected by shared spaces and shared experiences.
What’s your take on the Boston creative scene?
Boston’s creative scene is home to an incredible roster of talented artists whose work continuously inspires. For me, partnering with organizations has been essential for gaining visibility and opportunities, as they provide access to walls and public spaces that can be challenging to secure independently. There are some fantastic accelerators and public art programs here, which really help support and showcase the work of Boston’s creative community.
What advice would you give to artists looking to express their cultural identity through their work, while also engaging broader audiences?
My advice would be to express your cultural identity in the way that feels most authentic and meaningful to you. Cultural identity is deeply personal, with no “right” or “wrong” way to represent it—your unique perspective is valuable, and there will always be an audience that resonates with your message. Balancing cultural expression with broader appeal is often about discernment. For me, this means identifying which projects can carry those cultural messages and which do not. Those that don’t should still need to offer creative fulfillment in other ways. Trust in your voice and know that your authenticity will connect with the right people.
You’ve created murals for massive retail centers, collaborated with professional sports teams, and had your work featured across a wide variety of industries and businesses. How have you been able to stay consistent with your own personal brand, while still designing and creating for companies with such different styles and audiences?
My experience as a graphic designer has helped me stay true to my creative voice while adapting to diverse client needs. I prioritize open communication, taking time to understand each client’s vision and highlighting where my strengths can enhance their project. Creating from an authentic place has also meant that clients often seek me out because they connect with my style, allowing me to remain consistent within various industries and collaborations.
You often share your creative process on social media. How important is transparency in your work, and what do you hope your followers gain from that insight?
Sharing my creative process is a way to bring others along for the ride and offer a look into what’s involved behind the scenes. The first time I saw a muralist painting was so pivotal and validating for me, it made something I had been wanting to try seem possible. I hope showing the process can inspire others and demystify what goes into creating public art. I’ve gained so much from other artists sharing their own processes, so I see it as a way to pay it forward and spark that same curiosity in others.
Many of your pieces celebrate womanhood and empowerment. What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you hope your art resonates with women who see it?
You know I don’t think I ever considered the womanhood aspect of my work till this question, but I can totally see it. For larger projects, I often paint with a group of incredibly talented women in the industry, fellow muralists whose strength and professionalism undoubtedly influence the energy of the pieces. My best memories are of painting surrounded by my besties.
As for empowerment, to me, it’s about resilience—having the resolve to push forward, especially in moments when we may not feel our strongest. While my art is colorful and playful on the surface, embodying messages of ‘You Can Do It’ and so on requires grit and strength. Only you an set your goals and manifest them, that takes resolve.
What has been one of your most memorable projects to-date, and why did it resonate with you?
One of my most memorable projects has to be the “Si Se Puede” mural, which I painted alongside my best friend and fellow muralist, Annadidathing. That project encapsulates so many things I love about muraling—transforming a large space, spreading a positive message, and collaborating with friends. There’s so much work that goes into a mural before paint hits the wall, so for me installations are the most rewarding part of a project. To think back on that project is to remember all the jokes, cackles, and laughter we had on a lift.
Tell the people where they can follow you and keep up-to-date with your journey!
Hola friends! You can find me over @yennycreate on instagram. 🙂
