Meet Ryan Hanami | Conceptual Artist & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Hanami and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career largely because of my father who is an artist. Growing up, our home was filled with his creations, music, and a constant flow of ideas. I was often by his side at gallery openings, absorbing the atmosphere and the conversations that came with them. Having him available not just as a parent but as a mentor shaped my worldview profoundly. It’s a classic case of the apple not falling far from the tree; his influence made the path of art feel like the most natural direction for me. Academically, nothing else captured my interest in the same way, and pursuing a creative career became both an inheritance and a personal calling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Painting for me is about stepping beyond traditional forms and exploring those shared, unspoken thoughts that resist easy expression. I’m not aiming to set myself apart, I’m more interested in how these ineffable, unconscious ideas connect us all.

After dropping out of high school, I traveled across the country, often hitchhiking, with too many thoughts that needed an outlet. My father, Clement Hanami, an artist from Los Angeles, immersed me in art, music, and the gallery scene during my upbringing, which naturally influenced my path.

Completing my degree is something I’m proud of, not because it fits a conventional notion of success, but because it represents a personal milestone in pursuing what I care about. The journey wasn’t about overcoming hardships per se; it was about following a path that felt necessary.

I’ve often felt out of sync with social norms, facing push-back from teachers, parents, and peers about what’s considered acceptable or normal. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to oneself, even when it doesn’t align with others’ expectations.

What I hope to share is that it’s okay to take an unconventional path. If you feel like you’ve stumbled socially or academically, there’s always a way forward. Success isn’t solely defined by formal achievements; it’s about finding fulfillment in your own journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m probably a pretty bad person for planning a week long itinerary. I almost never plan anything. I like to just do what I feel like in the moment. Plus, I’m not super interested in large crowds; the more people congregate, the more confused I start to become. Angels Point is a great spot for some views. For food Pizza of Venice in Altadena, Little Skewer in Monterey Park and DGM in K-town are some of my favorite places.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks to my friends, family, UCLA, and the California Community College system.

Website: https://ryanhanami.com

Instagram: ryanhanami

Twitter: https://x.com/ryanhanami