We were lucky to catch up with Emma Hapner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

The last time I really thought about this question was after a solo exhibition of my work in 2023; I had worked harder than ever to create a large body of work, and I truly felt that it was my best work yet. The opening reception was amazing and I was getting lots of positive feedback from other artists and galleries, but I only sold a few pieces out of the whole show. I was so disheartened and really began to question my own skills and the content of the work. Then, a friend asked me, “If you knew the work wouldn’t sell, would you have painted it differently?” And when the question was framed that way, I remembered that I don’t paint because I want to earn money, I paint for the joy of painting and because I love it. Whenever I have doubts or get start to wish I had a normal job with a salary, I remember this conversation, and I remember how much I have always loved to paint. I feel so lucky to be pursuing my passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a NYC based painter, working primarily in the color pink. I focus on figurative oil painting that is inspired by classical compositions, to re-examine themes and ideas from the perspective of a contemporary woman. Much of my work explores the feminine experience. I had two solo exhibitions in 2023 with Village One Gallery called “Girls will be Girls” and “Cowgirls and Mermaids” that I feel really encompassed the ideas I strive to express. I continue to make paintings that are unapologetically feminine, and celebrate the many qualities of womanhood.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I love talking about this! Social media is so relevant in the artworld today, and can be key in making connections. I remember starting to post more about my work, and I realized that when I posted reels with myself in them, that the engagement was much higher. I think people really like to feel connected to you and see behind the scenes. At first I was super embarassed to post reels and process videos of myself painting and was worried about looking “cringy”. But to get over that, I almost created a persona to use for my social media, and view it as performance art in a sense. I still want my videos to feel genuine, but by allowing myself to dress up, stage shots, and curate my content, I feel very confident in the things I post. It took a lot of consistency, effort, and building up an aesthetic feed, but my follower count steadily grew and now I have an amazing community of artists and supporters.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing other feminine people relate to my work. I talk about this a lot, but it really is what makes it all worth it to me. I love creating work about the experiences I’ve had in girlhood, or those of romantic love, or the struggles that come with being a woman, and getting to talk about these with people who can relate is so incredible. By exploring these themes, I get the chance to connect with others who have had similar experiences, and feel very seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emmahapner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagracehapner/?hl=en