Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Hanami.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started one day when someone asked me if I could do it, and I said “yes”. This method has never failed me, except once. I’m currently on a break before the next part starts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
it has been a series of guesses. figuring out how to balance making things I care about while doing work that pays bills, and how to not lose momentum when work isn’t exciting, or when I feel like I’m being pulled in too many directions. I think the hardest part is just keeping faith that its all building toward something, even if i cant see what that is yet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m primarily a conceptual artist, with a background in painting, though I’ve been moving away from images and toward 3d forms. I tend to use the language of the places I’ve associated myself with- museums, galleries, universities, as both material and subject. I’m interested in things like signage, labeling, barriers, access points. I’m drawn to systems, especially when they don’t work the way they say they do. These structures aren’t neutral, and the people that are harmed and excluded by them are often the ones least able to name it. I’m not really proud of anything, and I’m not interested in what sets me apart. I care about the work, and I try to stay honest inside of it.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I haven’t succeeded in any way, but I think for anyone, it’s important to continue.
Contact Info:
- Website: ryanhanami.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ryanhanami
