Today we’d like to introduce you to Harper He.
Hi Harper, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I often think DTLA is where my life really started. I moved here for my master’s study in 2021 from China, my first time being in the U.S., with no family or friends here, it was just me, my two huge suitcases, and my full curiosity about LA. For a long time, in 2021, I was faced with the daunting task of building a support network from the ground up. I turned to my passions to forge connections. My Chinese dragon painting series epitomizes this endeavor, blending the emblematic figure of the Chinese dragon with vibrant hues of pink. This art represents a challenge to convention and control, infusing traditional symbolism with a modern ethos of self-expression, defiance against suppression, and feminist ideals. The compositions feature dynamic young women, chains shattered asunder, signifying liberation and empowerment.
When I started posting my paintings online, people would leave encouraging comments and tell me their interpretations, which is the fun part for me, to see how people’s self-image reflects on their perspective and thoughts of my work. My paintings are like a portal I created in my DTLA apartment, connecting me with people who also love self-expressive artworks. And before I came to LA, I had never thought I would pick up painting again and so many people would like my work and have reflections on them. LA’s inclusiveness encouraged me to express myself and make myself seen and heard. Because why not?
Today, I still use “#AmIAnArtistYet” as the caption every time I post my artwork. Art is subjective, and the value of art is subjective, but an objective fact I learned from living in LA is that there is no template for “a meaningful life”; it is all about “Experience hard and feel harder.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a very demanding person to myself, especially when it comes to my art. So often, in the process of painting, I would get anxious and criticize myself, and whenever things got to that point, I knew it was time for me to take a break. I need to constantly remind myself of why I started to create art — cuz it makes me happy. And I would like to keep it that way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aside from my “part-time” artist-in-the-making identity, I am a full-time master’s student specializing in public policy research; I will embark on my Ph.D. study in the health policy and health service research field this fall. I think the other worth noticing stuff about me is that I am also a KOL on Xiaohongshu 【@harpipapi(重生版)】, sharing my fun experience in LA, my fashion tips, makeup tutorials, etc. I like to think of myself as an atom-level stand-up comedian online. I like it when people say that they’ve had a bad day, and my video is so funny and made their day.
But the thing that I am MOST proud of is not my art or my funny videos; it is my identity as a kitty foster mom. I started kitty rescuing and fostering in 2021, and till now, I have helped over 10 kittens and found them permanent homes.
I think the thing that sets me apart from others is, I am kind of a bit all over the place and am decent in all fields. (I hope so)
Everything I do, I do it because I know I have more to give to the various communities I have been in, to people around me and online, and to the animals I can help. Sometimes I love this world too much and it hurts, because there are so many heartbreaking stuff happening all the time, but I am the type of person who always chooses to do something, no matter how minimal the impact would come out to be.
Alright, so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I work well with people, cuz I care, and my humor. (Based on their descriptions, not mine.)
But I am an introvert; I open up to people slowly, and once I open up, I will make sure that I have your back and you have mine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_harperhe/ https://www.instagram.com/harpipapi/
- Other: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5b09fd304eacab500f9a31ae
Image Credits
Harper He
