Electric Cars

Andrew Tsao's path to becoming an artist in New York City was catalyzed by a series of transformative events: a tech industry layoff, Medicaid-supported therapy, and a psychedelic experience. These pivotal moments culminated in his inaugural art exhibition, serving as a heartfelt farewell to the city he had called home for thirteen years. At 34, this Brooklyn-based artist and life coach, originally from California and raised in Taiwan, recently showcased "The Art of Surrender" at T.O.L.K., a Bushwick cafe and art gallery. This exhibition marked his tribute to the city before his return to Taiwan on August 5th to fulfill mandatory military service, essential for maintaining his citizenship. During the exhibition, he successfully sold his first four pieces, two of which fetched $500, without any commission taken by the gallery owners, demonstrating his ability to manage the show within budget.

Just a year prior, Tsao began identifying as a part-time artist. His diverse professional background in New York included B2B sales, various tech roles at startups, and a career as a life coach. Throughout this period, he grappled with maintaining his artistic endeavors in one of the country's most expensive cities, especially after his income plummeted from a six-figure salary to less than $25,000 post-corporate departure. Tsao's experience is emblematic of many New Yorkers who have had to ingeniously adjust their lifestyles to navigate the city's high cost of living, a phenomenon widely documented in the "Cost of the City" series.

After graduating from the University of Southern California, Tsao relocated to New York with no job prospects. He initially worked in B2B sales before transitioning to the tech sector as a product manager, earning over $100,000 annually at a healthcare startup focused on opioid addiction treatment. However, the pandemic brought an unexpected turn; despite his company's shift to remote work, he was laid off in May 2020. This layoff spurred Tsao towards entrepreneurship, leading him to coach early-stage founders on website development without coding. This career shift brought significant financial adjustments, reducing his annual income to below $25,000. Despite having some savings and 401(k) funds to invest in his new venture, the decline in financial stability prompted a reassessment of his priorities. He recognized the importance of basic needs like housing and affordable food, making conscious trade-offs such as cooking more frequently, limiting social outings, and opting for public transport over ride-sharing services. This period of financial constraint unexpectedly unveiled the beauty of New York that transcends monetary value. He traded expensive concerts for strolls in Prospect Park, devised creative and low-cost date ideas, and embraced cultural opportunities like the Culture Pass for free museum and library access. The Brooklyn Public Library, in particular, became a cherished resource for books and reading, demonstrating that fulfilling experiences in New York are attainable even on a tight budget. During the pandemic, he shared a two-bedroom apartment with in-unit laundry with his ex-girlfriend, paying approximately $1,300 each in rent until he moved out in June 2026. His monthly grocery budget was around $150, and he minimized art supply costs by utilizing donated materials and street finds, only occasionally purchasing items like ink and Posca markers.

A significant change in Tsao's life was his eligibility for Medicaid as his income decreased. This federal program provided access to both emotional and physical therapy, something he hadn't actively sought while earning a higher salary and paying for private health insurance. Through Medicaid, he received weekly therapy sessions from a social worker at Le Santé Health Center in Flatbush, which helped him decouple his identity and self-worth from productivity and external perceptions. He candidly stated that he would not have pursued therapy without Medicaid's support. Additionally, he received Medicaid-subsidized physical therapy for chronic pain in his upper-right shoulder, an issue that emerged in 2020 due to prolonged desk work and recreational bouldering. Paradoxically, this shift in affordability expanded his healthcare options, making him feel more supported and resourceful in managing his well-being. Tsao discovered that his true passion lay in the emotional aspect of coaching. In 2022, he transitioned from technical coaching to providing life coaching for executives and leaders, with hour-long sessions priced between $200 and $250, which became his primary income stream. This realization, coupled with his personal healing journey and a transformative psychedelic experience, led him back to art. During that session, he spontaneously began painting, rediscovering his deep love for the medium. He started utilizing donated art materials and dedicated time to creation, balancing his artistic pursuits with his coaching career. His exhibition, "The Art of Surrender," featured mixed-media abstract works exploring themes of ancestry, dual Eastern and Western identities, and self-connection through various materials like ink, collage, crayons, and markers. This artistic evolution paved the way for his first art exhibition and his subsequent departure from New York. He cherishes memories of the city's pizza, its rich diversity, and the vibrant energy of its people, from subway buskers to Washington Square Park dancers. For Tsao, New York's true essence lies beyond its price tag, residing in the countless "little pockets of magic" found in its concerts, culinary delights, chance encounters, and the unique spirit of its inhabitants.